Milton, ON — Due to the growing public concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and as part of precautionary measures being taken in the interest of health and safety, Woodbine Mohawk Park and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association today announced a new screening process for entry into the paddock.

Effective Thursday (March 12), anyone entering the paddock will be subject to several questions as a screening by security. Once cleared, the person entering the paddock will receive a sticker on their AGCO license that will excuse them from the screening process for seven days. At the conclusion of the seven days, the person entering will then go through the screening process again.

Woodbine and COSA strongly encourages horsepeople to give extra time when traveling to Woodbine Mohawk Park for live racing and qualifiers. The screening process may create wait times when checking in. There will be no exceptions given by the AGCO for horses arriving late to the paddock for Lasix or racing. Factoring in additional time for arrival is highly recommended.

Woodbine Mohawk Park will also be limiting paddock access to only participants, officials and staff. There will be no group tours or non-licensed guests allowed in the paddock until further notice.

While there have been no known cases of COVID-19 on the Woodbine Mohawk Park property, it is of great importance to Woodbine Entertainment and COSA to keep all our horse people, employees and guests safe and healthy.

Woodbine and COSA are committed to taking reasonable precautions and steps required to protect the safety of our racing participants and are continuing to keep up to date with information provided by the Toronto Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Toronto Public Health have confirmed risks to COVID-19 continues to remain low, however, there are isolated cases in the Greater Toronto area. The biggest risk remains coming in direct contact with family or friends that have traveled to coronavirus hot-zones around the globe.

Woodbine and COSA continue to monitor the situation closely and will follow direction and guidance from Toronto Public Health and relevant municipal/provincial authorities. Additionally, Woodbine has a working task force in place who are dedicated to developing and activating a preparedness and response plan according to the severity and impact level.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and paddock area, and we will continue to update you as pertinent information becomes available.