Anxious day for League followers

It was a tense day yesterday for North Queensland rugby league fans, as the coronavirus pandemic threatened to shut the gates on an event years in the making.

So far, Townsville had been relatively untouched by the COVID-19 virus, with only two regional Queensland cases so far.

But all that changed yesterday with fears the Cowboys vs Broncos game would be cancelled due to other major sporting events being cancelled across Australia — including the Grand Prix.

Not long after Queensland Health announced the game would go ahead, news came that Australian medical expert advice would be given to all leaders to cancel mass gatherings of more than 500 people.

Then the prime minister announced it would only come into effect Monday — a sigh of relief to organisers, fans and thousands who worked for years in getting Queensland Country Bank Stadium off the ground.

While it was great news for Cowboys fans who could cheer on their team last night, it of course drives home the importance of being aware of personal health and the safety of others.

It’s not such good news for other big events slated for Townsville, with many like the Jeff Horn fight postponed and others like Groovin the Moo up in the air. It’s devastating news for organisers, punters and the local economy.

It’s important throughout this entire health crisis not to panic, keep supporting local businesses where possible and exercise caution when it comes to your health and others.

Stay home if you’re sick and by doing so, hopefully it prevents the spread of this virus quickly and our region — and the world — can get back to business as usual.