Due to heightened health concerns associated with COVID-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, we wanted to remind our follower of precautionary measures you can take to help protect yourself and prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has issued recommendations for individuals to protect themselves that include washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds, using hand sanitizers, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands and avoiding close contact with others. To protect others, the CDC recommends staying home if you’re sick (except to get medical care), covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a face mask if you are sick, and cleaning and disinfecting regularly.
Please read the CDC recommendations here:
CDC: Steps to Prevent Illness https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
CDC: What to do if you are sick https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html
As of Sunday (3/15), Pennsylvania has had several confirmed Covid-19 cases in the eastern part of the state. In order to help slow the spread of the virus, Governor Tom Wolf and the PA Department of Health have recommended that people refrain from holding gatherings in excess of 250 people. As businesses, public venues, and sporting events close their doors to the public to slow the spread of the virus, some Pennsylvania racetracks have temporarily suspended racing. To date, the following tracks have taken precautionary measures amid the current health climate:
- Parx Racing: Live racing has reportedly been canceled, the stable gate is closing to incoming horses on Wednesday (3/25). There is no training on Sundays and Wednesdays.
- Mohegan Sun Pocono will be closed temporarily. Live racing will not be offered for at least two weeks. Ibet Mohegan and Dial-A-Bet will still be available, however deposits will not be able to be made in person.
- Harrah’s Philadelphia is closed temporarily.
- Presque Isle Downs & Casino is closed temporarily.
- The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is closed. The new track hours are 7 to 12 noon every day, except for Sunday. The ship in barn and paddock are closed. The April late closing series are cancelled, the nomination fees will be returned to the nominator.
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is closed. The track will be closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
This story was updated at 3:30pm on Tuesday 3/24/2020. We will continue to update it as information becomes available.
