Japan bans public from race meetings

Japanese racing authorities will bar spectators from meetings immediately in measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In addition, there will be no sale of betting tickets or payout of winning tickets on race days or payout on weekdays at all JRA racecourses and off-track betting facilities with all transactions to be conducted via telephone or internet betting.

The Japanese initiative comes after the region's other racing powerhouse, Hong Kong, has barred all but owners and participants from attending the races.

Korea has shut down racing altogether at the Seoul, Busan and Jeju Racecourses until after March 8 when the situation will be reviewed.

As of Thursday, there are over 81,300 people diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide and 2770 recorded deaths.