Canberra Raiders pause ticket sales amid new coronavirus concerns

The ACT has recorded three cases of coronavirus for the first time in more than a month, just a day after ACT chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman agreed to increase the crowd capacity of Canberra Stadium.

The positive cases are expected to have a major impact on Canberra's return to sport, including limiting the number of fans allowed at Raiders and ACT Brumbies games for the immediate future.

It could also potentially delay the return of contact sports and competitions in Canberra.

Coleman will review the situation and advise the ACT government about the easing of restrictions on Thursday. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said it was likely they would not be lifted this week as planned.

"Given that we have new cases in the ACT, the community should expect the implementation of stage three is likely to be postponed until we have a better understanding of the Victorian outbreak and the impact on the ACT," Barr said.

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"If the health advice is that we should not move, we will not move from where we are now. We have consistently listened to the best health advice through this and it will remain the government's approach."

Coleman had given the all clear for the Raiders and Brumbies to fill 25 per cent of the stadium's seated capacity, as well as hosting corporate suites, in line with the next phase of the COVID-19 recovery plan.

The Raiders were poised to offer 5974 ticketed seats for their round-nine clash with Melbourne on Saturday night, with a total attendance of about 6500 including corporates.

Tickets went on sale to members on Tuesday afternoon, but the club has been forced to pause sales until they receive further health advice.

"Once the club has further information to communicate to members and fans we will provide an update," a club statement read.

"We appreciate your patience until we can provide further information."

The government's recovery plan outlined there can be a return to full-contact competition for all sports from midday on Friday.

Contact sports have now been left in limbo, with Capital Football, AFL Canberra, ACT Rugby Union and the Canberra Region Rugby League waiting on government advice.

Hockey ACT has been given the green light to start its season as planned this week, with senior competitions and the Capital League to launch on Friday night.

"We're going ahead. We've spoken with the ACT government and they've happy for us to play with the current restrictions," Hockey ACT boss Rob Sheekey said.