Coronavirus fear forces Raiders to limit fan contact at Canberra Stadium

But there was one caveat - anyone feeling unwell should stay at home.

The Canberra Raiders start their season against the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, while the ACT Brumbies host the NSW Waratahs in their Super Rugby grudge match on Sunday.

Both games will go ahead as planned - although there will be limited fan access for the Raiders' game after the NRL issued clubs with coronavirus guidelines.

Players will avoid handshakes and close contact with the public, including selfies and taking pens to sign autographs.

They have also been told to avoid handshakes with other players before and after games.

It comes as the NBA suspended their season indefinitely and Basketball ACT introduced regulations forbidding handshakes and huddles - and will disinfect game balls.

The Japan Golf Tour, where Canberrans Brendan Jones and Matt Millar will play this year, could be delayed beyond it's usual start in mid April.

Barr said the first positive case in the ACT was "not cause for alarm" and public events, like the Raiders and Brumbies games, would go ahead.

"We are asking people to go about their normal business," he said at the unveiling of Canberra Stadium's new $2 million television screen on Thursday.

"And that includes coming to the Raiders on Friday night and Brumbies on Sunday afternoon.

"The only important health advice there would be if you are feeling sick probably best you don't attend.

"But for everyone else there would be no reason not to come out to Canberra Stadium to see two of your favourite football teams who are on track to take out premierships in 2020."

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The Raiders were expecting a crowd in the vicinity of 15,000 for their season opener.

That would be a record home attendance against the traditionally low-drawing Titans.

Canberra is full of hope and expectation about the season ahead following a bumper 2019.

"We're getting constant updates from the ACT government and the NRL, and it's exactly as the Chief said - there's no reason not to come out," Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.

"Obviously take precautions, but it will be fantastic this time of year on Friday at 6pm. We hope to get a big crowd to start the season well."

Similarly, the Brumbies were in constant conversation with rugby's governing bodies.

"Lots of conversations with SANZAAR, World Rugby involved," Brumbies boss Phil Thomson said.

"Obviously ours is an international competition with lots of travel between New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. There is daily updates happening with it."

Meanwhile, Barr will meet with the Australian Sports Commission next week to discuss the future of Canberra Stadium.

NRL ROUND ONE

Friday: Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium, 6pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN

Sunday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.