How coronavirus is creating havoc for Australia's biggest events

A number of major sports and cultural events have either been cancelled or closed to crowds in a bid to curb the risk of coronavirus.

David Warner of Australia batting in front of empty Clive Churchill Stand during game 1 of the mens ODI between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG. Source: AAP

As authorities ramp up their efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, a number of major events across the country have been cancelled.

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over many others gatherings including Anzac Day services.

How the government is responding to the coronavirus threat

* All people arriving in Australia from midnight Sunday will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

* Cruise ships from foreign ports are banned for 30 days.

* Non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people will be banned from Monday, but this does not apply to workplaces, schools, universities, supermarkets or public transport.

* A national advertising campaign urges people to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, and avoid contact with others if they're feeling unwell.

Major events impacted

* Vivid Sydney Light Festival cancelled

* Sydney's Royal Easter Show cancelled

* St Patrick's Day festivities in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane cancelled

* Melbourne International Comedy Festival cancelled

* Comedy Steps Up for Bushfire Relief at the Sydney Opera House cancelled

* Download festival, scheduled for Melbourne and Sydney, cancelled after My Chemical Romance pulled out amid coronavirus fears

* Melbourne Fashion Festival shows cancelled on Friday and Saturday

* Victorian Supreme Court and County Court new jury trials suspended

* Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability postponed this week's community forums in northern Tasmania.

* Next week's Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety hearings in Adelaide and future hearings closed to the public until further notice

* Cricket's One Day International series between Australia and New Zealand cancelled after one match on Friday, due to NZ's strict self-isolation rules

Australia's Pat Cummins casts a lonely figure during game one of the mens ODI between Australia and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Source: AAP

* 2020 World Science Festival Brisbane cancelled

* South Australia's Port Fringe Street Party cancelled

* Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show cancelled

* Tasmania's Dark Mofo 2020 cancelled

* Jimmy Eat World national tour cancelled

* Australian Formula One Grand Prix and Supercars' round in Melbourne cancelled

* Sunday's Sheffield Shield cricket final round cancelled, with decision to be made on the final

* NRL to play without crowds from round two next week, with the NZ Warriors based in northern NSW

* Super Rugby on hold after this weekend's matches

* AFL season to open next week in empty stadiums for foreseeable future

* This also applies to the rest of the AFLW season

* World Surf League opening event of the 2020 Championship Tour on the Gold Coast cancelled

* 2020 Surf Life Saving Championships cancelled

An uncertain future

* Anzac Day services and marches on April 25 still being considered

* Sydney writers' festival ticket sales suspended

* Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney, ticket sales suspended

* Brisbane Comedy Festival shows from Monday under review

* A-League football arrangements to be announced