Ekka cancelled for second year running as Queensland extends COVID-19 lockdown
The Ekka has been cancelled in Queensland for the second year running as the state battles another COVID-19 outbreak.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles made the announcement this morning as the lockdown of 11 LGAs was extended until 4pm AEST on Sunday.
Mr Miles said cancelling the Ekka would be "sad and disappointing for many, many Queenslanders".
"(But) We just can't afford to have an event like that where people travel into town, circulate in large numbers. The risk is just too great," he said.
The Ekka, or the Royal Queensland Show, was due to run from August 7-15.
The preceding Stud Beef Cattle Show, known as "Ekka Beef Week" had been cancelled already.
The lockdown was planned to lift by Wednesday, but will now last eight days instead of the three days originally planned.
LIVE UPDATES: Queensland records 13 new local cases
It is the second year in a row the show has been cancelled. 9News
READ MORE: South-east Queensland extends lockdown
"And we desperately hope that that will be sufficient for our contact tracers to get into home quarantine," Mr Miles said.
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles has announced the cancellation of the Ekka. 9News
"It is absolutely critical that people only leave their homes for the four reasons.
"There's too many cars on the road in Brisbane at the moment. Too many people out and about."
Queensland recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases today.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
