The 2020 AFL premiership season will start as scheduled but fans will be locked out of stadiums as part of the league’s measures to counter the spread of coronavirus.

The AFL took the step after deciding against delaying the start of the season following Friday’s decision by the federal government to place a blanket ban on gatherings of 500 or more people.

Round six of the AFLW season, scheduled to get underway on Friday night when Geelong host North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium, will go ahead with fans present before supporters are locked out for the rest of the round.