Gold Coast meeting to allow spectators

The Gold Coast’s rich The Jewel race day will go ahead with spectators after lengthy behind the scenes debate about the threat of coronavirus.

It had earlier been feared spectators would be barred from the meeting after the federal government indicated restrictions should be placed on public events of more than 500 people.

After receiving clarification the suggested federal government ban was in place from Monday, Racing Queensland bosses had discussions with state government officials.

After debate about whether to follow Sydney which will allow spectators or Melbourne which will not, RQ went the way of NSW.

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It confirmed there would be no spectator ban for meetings in Queensland this weekend.

Extra hygiene precautions will be in place and anyone with coronavirus symptoms or other illnesses are encouraged not to attend.

RQ will meet with officials of the south east Queensland clubs on Monday when a long term policy to cover coronavirus will be formulated.

High on the list will be preparations for the winter carnival.