Warrnambool May Races numbers remain unchanged following further relaxing of restrictions

Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive officer Tom O'Connor said there appeared to be some confusion after the state government announcement that sporting venues with a maximum of 1000 patrons per space would return to 100 per cent capacity.

He said the TAB Warrnambool May Racing Carnival saw crowds of well over 1000 people and therefore the announcement did not affect the event.

"It's a good thing," O'Connor said.

The three-day May Racing Carnival is capped at 12,000 which O'Connor said he was thrilled with.

"We can comfortably fit our numbers within that capacity," he said.

He said racing industry employees, contractors and casual bar staff were not included in the cap.

O'Connor said the constant changing of restrictions often created confusion in the community.

"Someone might misinterpret an announcement or hear a snippet on the news so we just want to make it clear that nothing has changed for us," he said.

"We're constantly monitoring the situation and we're in regular contact with DHHS about how changes may affect our event.

"If a change does occur we will certainly be out there communicating it through to our members and the community."

O'Connor reminded the community the carnival would run under a COVID-safe plan, which would include two zones separating and restricting the movement between members and the public.

There will also be density quotas in the indoor rooms and marquee spaces.

"We will certainly be encouraging members of the community, our members and racegoers to have an understanding of the zones," O'Connor said.

"The court will basically be cut into two and there will be an inability for people to move within those zones."

O'Connor said having the two zones allowed for an increased crowd capacity.

"We're pulling this together from six weeks out but we've got some great contractors and supporting partners at the club that are doing fantastic job at being flexible with us," he said.

"This will definitely challenge us but I think that at the same time we've tried to simplify it as best we can."

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