TAMPA BAY DOWNS ANNOUNCES STEPS TO MINIMIZE CORONAVIRUS RISK

By Mike Henry —-

TAMPA BAY DOWNS ANNOUNCES STEPS TO MINIMIZE CORONAVIRUS RISK

OLDSMAR, FL. – Tampa Bay Downs has announced a number of proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of patrons, employees and horsemen during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak and beyond.

The track is enhancing its sanitation protocols in accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to provide the safest environment possible for everyone working at the track and attending the races.
“We will continue to work closely with state and local officials, as well as national and local health organizations, to take necessary precautions as the situation evolves,” said Peter Berube, the track’s Vice President-General Manager. “Nothing is more important than the health of our customers and employees, and we will continue to work toward minimizing the risks associated with the disease.”

Among the steps being taken:

· Increasing the number of public hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the racetrack.
· Enhancing standard sanitary protocols to include the use of hospital-grade disinfectants on surfaces as a means to minimize the spread of viruses.
· Emphasizing the importance of hand washing and hygiene for patrons and employees by increasing signage in restrooms promoting best practices.
· Increasing cleaning and disinfecting efforts on “high-touch” areas and working to sanitize those areas on a consistent, around-the-clock schedule.
· Using high-powered, infection-control equipment, including multiple electrostatic sprayers, for thorough cleaning.
· Opening doors that are not required to be closed for security or safety reasons, thereby reducing the need for patrons to touch doors and handles.

· Creating a company-wide task force to monitor the situation and develop additional plans to be carried out throughout the racetrack, the stable area, The Silks Poker Room and The Downs Golf Practice Facility.
Tampa Bay Downs encourages fans who are not feeling well or are reluctant to travel to Tampa Bay Downs during the outbreak to watch the races on an account wagering site such as TVG, NYRABets or DRF Bets, or to access race replays at www.tampabaydowns.com .

Patrons may sign up for an MBet account at the racetrack to eliminate the risk associated with standing in mutuel lines or placing cash wagers.

Around the oval. Samy Camacho rode two winners today. He was on 7-year-old Florida-bred mare R Sweet Exchange in the first race for owner Averill Racing and trainer Gerald Bennett. Camacho added the fifth on the turf with Another Time, a 4-year-old filly owned by Hoolie Racing Stable and trained by Barbara Minshall.

Thoroughbred racing continues Friday with a nine-race card beginning at 12:45 p.m. Tampa Bay Downs races each Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May 3, with the exception of Easter Sunday, April 12, when the track is closed.
Otherwise, Tampa Bay Downs is open every day for simulcast wagering, no-limits action and tournament play in The Silks Poker Room and golf fun and instruction at The Downs Golf Practice Facility.