The Perth Royal Show 2020 may still go ahead but the committee is unable to make a final decision until early/late May.
Similarly, the 2020 Perth Royal Food Awards will be postponed until further notice.
CEO Peter Cooper said these are of course challenging and uncertain times for everyone.
“The Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA) like all organisations across Australia, is coming to terms with the ramifications of the unprecedented situation brought about by the coronavirus and we are adapting as best we can,” Mr Cooper said.
“With the widespread cancelation or postponement of many fixtures of public life in WA, questions have inevitably been asked about the 2020 Perth Royal Show and whether it will go ahead, as planned, in September 2020.
“We are of course conscious that, under current conditions, it would be impossible for the event to go ahead and therefore we have made the decision to close our offices for the months of April and May 2020.
“However, with a period of six months between now and the first day of show, we are holding back on making any hard or fast decisions. Our hope is that we will be able to host a show that will represent a return to normality and an opportunity for optimism and hope following the uncertainty and worry of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The decision to close for April and May will also impact the 2020 Perth Royal Food Awards which will be postponed until we ascertain the best timing for these Competition’s and Awards to take place.
“Nonetheless, the current situation is moving at pace, with developments coming on an almost hourly – let alone daily – basis. Therefore, our decision will see our staff take leave for the months of April and May, with their positions held open for an eventual return mid-year. RASWA is proceeding with caution and keeping an open mind; which is all we can do.”
