Golden Gate Fields will extend its suspension of live racing through the end of the month due a COVID-19 outbreak among the Berkeley horse racing track’s staff, the track said in a statement this week.
Golden Gate Fields originally announced on Nov. 13 that it would close for one week because two dozen cases had been confirmed at the track since Oct. 30.
While the track did not disclose how many staff members have now tested positive for the virus, a report from the Los Angeles Times placed the number around 100.
Since the closure began Nov. 13, all employees of the track, owned by the Stronach Group, have been tested and the track has “undergone thorough cleaning,” Golden Gate Fields said in a statement.
“All positive cases are overseen by the (Berkeley Public Health Department) through their case managers,” the statement said. “Positive cases are required to isolate as per BPHD protocols and are not able to return to Golden Gate Fields until health clearance has been provided by the BPHD.”
Around 1,300 horses are stabled onsite and will continue to receive daily care and exercise, as needed, according to track officials.
