The Australian government advised against attending ‘non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 or greater’ from Monday, amid fears of spreading coronavirus.
But on Saturday, Phoebe Burgess and other stars braved the crowds at Rosehill Gardens’ Ladies Day, to mark the start of Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival.
Following the pink dress code, Phoebe, 30, cut a chic figure in a semi-sheer print dress, and posed for photos on the media wall at the 400-strong ticketed event.
The girls are out! Phoebe Burgess (pictured), 30, and other stars braved the crowds at Ladies Day at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, amid fears over the spread of coronavirus
The mother-of-two cinched in her waist with a belt of matching fabric, and boosted her height with gold open-toe mules.
Phoebe styled her blonde locks underneath a round-rimmed hat with veil, and carried her essential items in a fringed evening bag.
Her makeup included defined brows, lashings of mascara and a slick of glossy pink lipstick that accentuated her pearly whites.
Social: Phoebe followed the pink dress code in a semi-sheer print dress, and mingled with racing royalty Kate Waterhouse (centre), 37, and Cathy McEvoy (far left)
Phoebe, who is an ambassador for this year’s Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, also mingled with racing royalty Kate Waterhouse.
The 37-year-old opted for a tailored pantsuit in various pink tones, paired with beige Bottega Veneta mesh heels and a patent blue Dior handbag.
Like Phoebe, the fashion journalist also added a trendy round-rimmed hat, and her beauty look consisted of semi-straight blonde locks and an elegant makeup palette.
Fashionable: Kate wore a tailored pantsuit in various pink tones, teamed with beige Bottega Veneta mesh heels, a patent blue Dior handbag and trendy round-rimmed hat
Glam: Samantha Jade, 32, who is scheduled to perform at the event, showed off her cleavage in a black long-sleeved top, tucked into a pink skirt and finished off with black strappy heels
Songstress Samantha Jade, who is scheduled to perform at the event, offered a glimpse of cleavage in a black long-sleeved top.
The 32-year-old tucked the number into a pink high-waisted frock with a quirky scissor print, and elongated her frame with black strappy heels.
Samantha styled her long blonde tresses out, and enhanced her striking eyes with false lashes and kohl liner.
Chic: Australian cricketer Steve Smith’s wife Dani Willis, cut a chic figure in a pink blazer dress with black accents, stockings, pointy-toe heels, a Chanel clutch and black veil
Primped to perfection: Dani styled her blonde locks semi-straight, and opted for glamorous makeup. Pictured with Tracy Bevan
Rounding off the VIP list was Australian cricketer Steve Smith’s wife Dani Willis.
The blonde beauty covered her slender frame in a pink blazer dress with black accents, teamed with black stockings and pointy-toe heels.
Dani accessorised with a black veil and Chanel clutch, and ensured she was ready for her close-up by styling her glossy tresses out and opting for glamorous makeup.
The sighting comes just hours after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people should not take place from Monday in a drastic step to halt the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Familiar face: Former My Kitchen Rules star Romel Kouyan (right) posed with a well-dressed friend
Fashion forward: DJ Feline (left) looked elegant in a dainty sheer frock and pale pink heels, while Eloise Jaksic (right) showed off her penchant for fashion in an abstract suit jacket, skirt and sock with heel combo
‘We will be advising against organised, non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater from Monday,’ Mr Morrison said in a press conference on Friday.
But Mr Morrison stressed the government’s ban only relates to ‘non-essential organised gatherings’ and doesn’t include schools, university lectures or catching public transport.
He said people should go about their ‘normal everyday business’ and also warned Australians to not travel overseas.
The move has been hailed by infectious diseases experts, who say it will be critical in slowing the virus’ spread and help prevent overloading hospital intensive care units.
Press conference: On Friday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) advised against attending ‘organised, non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater from Monday’
Major sport and music events around the globe, including the Australian Grand Prix and Download Australia Festival were cancelled on Friday amid the crisis.
Coronavirus is a respiratory illness accompanied by fever, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and fatigue. It can produce pneumonia.
The spread of the disease, which began in Wuhan, China, has seen over 145,000 cases worldwide and more than 5,400 fatalities.
As of March 14, the total number of Australians diagnosed with the virus was 204, including three deaths.
Statistics: As of March 13, the total number of Australians diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) is now 204, including three deaths