COVID-19 disrupts Government House open day plans

Government House on Thursday cancelled its March 14 open day fearing the event could spread the coronavirus, while sports bodies also announced precautions ahead of games.

While advice to contain COVID-19 didn't compel Government House to cancel its open day, the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General found the move was "responsible and prudent".

"This difficult decision reflects that open days can be rescheduled and are held regularly," the Governor-General's office said in a statement on Thursday.

"Making the decision now also provides organisations who would have had displays at the open day, many of whom travel from interstate, with as much notice as possible."

Governor-General David Hurley's schedule is unchanged and he will continue with other plans to host and participate in events, the office said.

Basketball ACT announced it would take precautions to limit the risk of COVID-19 contamination.

Staff will sanitise game balls and iPads after games, and the organisation has asked teams not to shake hands or huddle.

Basketball ACT encouraged teams to regularly wash their hands.

"When arriving to the stadium, please take the time to thoroughly wash your hands," it said in an email.

"If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the basketball stadium."

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