NSW race meetings to go ahead with public

Race meetings in NSW will go ahead over the weekend with no restrictions on spectators but the public is being urged to exercise precautions.

The federal and state governments advised on Friday they would move to restrict public gatherings of over 500 people from Monday.

Racing NSW says consistent with that advice, thoroughbred race meetings in NSW on Saturday and Sunday will remain open to the public.

The governing body urged people to be conscious of the health and welfare of themselves and others at all times.

It said a person should not attend a race meeting if that person:

* Is suffering from coronavirus symptoms or is otherwise unwell;

* Has been to a country considered at higher risk of COVID-19 in the past 14 days, currently mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea;

* Has been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus; or

* Is in a high-risk group such as older people or people with underlying illnesses that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure and people with suppressed immune systems, that person should not attend a race meeting.

The Coolmore Classic meeting at Rosehill on Saturday signals the start of the multi-million dollar Sydney autumn carnival featuring the Golden Slipper and The Championships.