The Japanese Racing Association (JRA) has announced it will reopen its J-Place Kasamatsu, Ena and Tosu off-track betting (OTB) facilities from 19 September.All of JRA’s OTB sites were forced to temporarily close in February due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, but the organisation began to reopen the facilities from July.
J-Place OTB locations in Kasamatsu, Ena and Tosu will all operate with a limited service offering, including not providing live race footage or odds information to customers.
Teller betting windows will remain closed, shops will not offer complimentary beverages, while media halls, seating sections and smoking areas will be out of use.
High-touch surfaces inside the shops will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, while plexiglass barriers and vinyl curtains will be installed at certain points to help prevent airborne exposure.
Before starting work, JRA staff will have their temperature taken, record their physical condition and disinfect their hands, as well as wear masks, gloves and face shields while working.
Customers’ will also have their temperature upon entry, while anyone showing any symptoms of Covid-19 should not attempt to enter the shops. The JRA also said it will continue to restrict the number of people allowed inside at one time.
Visitors will be required to wear a face mask when inside the facility, as well as maintain distance from other people and sanitise their hands before entering the facility.
In addition, JRA will refuse entry to anyone that has come into close contact with someone that has tested positive Covid-19, or people who have travelled to a region or country that has been placed under government restriction.
The latest batch of reopenings comes after the JRA last week also announced that it was to resume operations at its Park Wins, Wins and J-Place OTB facilities.
However, despite the partial reopening of its OTB network, the JRA last month said horse racing in the country will continue to take place behind closed doors until at least 4 October.
