Organisers of one of the country's most longstanding events have heeded the government's advice to avoid mass gatherings of 500 people or more.
As an event that has been running since 1823 and has never been interrupted since the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919, the 2020 Sydney Royal Easter Show has been cancelled.
The event's organisers said the decision was "distressing and disappointing".
"The safety and well-being of our patrons and visitors is paramount and out of precaution, and in consultation with NSW Health, The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has decided this is the best course of action," they said.
"We appreciate that the cancellation of the Show is a huge disappointment for our Show community, particularly exhibitors and visitors from rural and regional NSW who love attending the Show to catch up with friends and celebrate with us every year.
"We are implementing a number of measures to deal with ticket and entry fee refunds and will be in contact with ticket holders and exhibitors regarding this process within the next five working days."
Another major event coming up is the Byron Bay Bluefest, due to take place from 9-13 April, but in light of the Prime Minister's statements today organisers are awaiting an "official requirement" from Federal and State authorities on Monday before making a further update.
Updated at 5:18pm AEDT on 13 March 2020.
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