Australian authorities prepare for return of spectators to stadiums

Australian authorities are preparing to allow fans back into stadiums to enjoy their favourite sports in person, however they will face strict measures to protect against COVID-19.

Over the weekend more than 2,000 fans in the State of South Australia will be allowed in to watch the return of Aussie Rules Football (AFL), state officials confirmed on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The exact protocol for who is allowed into the stadium was still being ironed out as of Wednesday, however the move was warmly welcomed by sports fans across the country as a sign that other states will follow.

It will also be the biggest crowd at an Australian sporting event since the pandemic began, and coincides with the reopening of stadiums in neighbouring New Zealand also set for this weekend.

Meanwhile this weekend in the State of New South Wales, hundreds of fans will also watch their favorite sports from special contained luxury corporate boxes, while in Queensland, authorities were working through a proposal for fans to return to grounds.

"The Chief Health Officer is working through these COVID safe plans and we look forward to seeing people back watching sport when it is safe," the Queensland state government said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Australia recorded no new cases of community virus transmission, with just two positive cases nationally which had come from overseas.

Most states were in the process of scaling back COVID-19 restrictions, reopening bars and restaurants, and community level sport was set to resume from July 1.