COVID-19 Alert Level reduction

Last updated: 5:00pm 17 February 2021

Wednesday afternoon’s announcement by the government will see the downgrade in the current COVID-19 Alert Level in Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. This means Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 at midnight tonight until Monday when the Alert Level will be reviewed again. The remainder of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 1 at midnight tonight.

This means that all motorsport events can still take place. Events in the Auckland region will need to take place under our ‘Back in Motion’ plan. Event organisers will need to make changes to how their events are run to ensure they meet the requirements of the Back in Motion plan.

Auckland – Level 2: 

Under Alert Level 2, motorsport events can take place using our ‘Back in Motion’ plan. This plan was successfully utilised during the previous Alert Level 2 restrictions to hold motorsport events.

The ‘Back in Motion’ document provides general guidelines for conducting motorsport events during COVID-19 restrictions such as hygiene requirements, social distancing requirements and clarification around the number of people allowed at events.

Anyone entering a venue where a motorsport event is taking place must have their details recording for contact tracing. MotorSport New Zealand has developed a number of resources for event organisers to use such as:

• Utilising the government’s NZCOVID Tracer app and QR code tracking posters.

• A COVID-19 venue plan checklist to ensure event organisers comply with the government guidelines around mass gatherings.

With social distancing requirements in place, it may also not be possible or appropriate for scrutineers to complete a physical safety audit prior to the competition commencing. A self-scrutiny checklist of vehicle safety has also been implemented as part of the resources.

Competitors will need to complete the safety checklist and submit it with their event entry alongside photos of the vehicle’s last three logbook entries.

Officials and volunteers also have a set of guidelines to ensure their safety at events. The basis of the guidelines is minimising person to person contact, mainly ensuring documentation is completed electronically where practicable.

The full list of resources can be found on www.motorsport.org.nz/organiser. All competitors, crews, officials, volunteers and event organisers are encouraged to make themselves familiar with it prior to competing or attending events.

Remainder of New Zealand – Level 1:

Motorsport can return to relative normality with no restrictions on gatherings, businesses or services. Physical distancing is also no longer required, however, contact tracing is still recommended. The New Zealand borders remain closed, preventing international competitors from entering the country.

MotorSport New Zealand still recommends the following guidelines and practices from its “Back in Motion” plan:

• Contract tracing using the NZ COVID Tracer App to sign into all motorsport events.

• Electronic event documentation: We encourage clubs to continue to utilise electronic event documentation when possible. A number of clubs have indicated to us that they have found some new efficiencies with this process compared to their previous methods.

• Hygiene stations: Good hygiene practices are still recommended from a public health perspective. Events should have hand sanitiser readily available.

• Electronic timing sheets: Similarly to electronic documentation, encourage clubs to continue to utilise this process as there are efficiencies to be gained.

• If you are sick or unwell STAY HOME: This advice remains in place, if you are sick or feel unwell please stay at home.

What’s next?

As the government makes further announcements, MotorSport New Zealand will continue to communicate how motorsport can operate under each set of restrictions. MotorSport New Zealand has a tried and tested plan in place to re-commence motorsport events in Alert Level 2, so rest assured the sport will continue as soon as it is permitted by the government,

As always, the MotorSport New Zealand team are happy to help out if you have any questions regarding COVID-19 guidelines or procedures or for anything else you need assistance with.

We also remind everyone to visit www.motorsport.org.nz/covid-19 for the latest information regarding COVID-19 and motorsport.