COVID-19: Ekka decision at noon

THE COVID-19 pandemic is set to claim another victim with the 2020 Royal Queensland Show set to be officially cancelled today.

Ekka boss Brendan Christou has called a media briefing at the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills at noon to announce to fate of event, scheduled for August 7-16.

The cancellation of the Ekka is in line with the Federal Government's restrictions on public gatherings, which limit public gatherings to two people.

The Queensland Government also announced on March 29 that it was considering setting up a temporary hospital at the Brisbane Showgrounds to treat COVID-19 patients, if there was overflow from hospitals.

"The RNA is working very closely with the Government to ensure the showgrounds can be utilised as effectively and as quickly as possible to provide temporary hospital accommodation and other health needs as required," Mr Christou said, following that announcement.

"Our Royal International Convention Centre can be transformed into a functioning hospital, and the RNA will provide every assistance we can to the government to ensure this occurs."

Mr Christou previously flagged the 2020 Ekka scheduled was looking less likely to proceed.

It's not the first time the showgrounds have been used in times of crisis. In 1918 it was used as a treatment centre for Spanish influenza and as an evacuation centre during the 2011 Brisbane floods.

Mr Christou said the RNA was dedicated to providing all the assistance and support it could to the government and health authorities.

Article courtesy of Australian Community Media and Queensland Country Life