Coronavirus a show-stopper

COVID-19 has claimed another major event – the Ekka.

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou (pictured) announced the cancellation of the August show yesterday in the interest of public health.

Ekka fans will instead have to wait until next year to get their rides and showbag fix.

The showground and Royal International Convention Centre remain on standby to provide temporary hospital accommodation.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the best outcome for public health is achieved,” Mr Christou said.

“The RNA will provide every assistance to the government during this public health emergency – our Royal International Convention Centre can be transformed into a functioning hospital as required.

“Over the past 144 years, the Brisbane Showground has been used to help the community in times of need, including being used as a treatment centre in 1918 for those suffering from Spanish influenza, to an evacuation centre for those impacted by the devastation of the 2011 Brisbane floods.”

It is only the third time in the show’s history it has been cancelled.

A decision on the future of the August show had been set down for mid-June with organisers hoping that the crisis would have been over by then.

But with the social-distancing rules set to continue for months, Mr Christou said it was important to make a decision now as many exhibitors and competitors spend months preparing for the show and getting entries ready.