DUE TO the everchanging nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's still a lot up in the air.

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced mass gatherings of more than 500 people will be advised against starting from Monday, March 16, based on advice from Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy. 

And AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has announced unprecedented changes to the fixture for the 2020 season.

Here's what we know right now.

Last updated: Friday, March 20, 10.30am AEDT

What's happening with the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season?

The length of the season will be reduced from 23 rounds to a maximum of 17, with clubs to face each other once. The first four rounds will go ahead as fixtured, but the remaining 13 rounds will be adjusted. The four-week finals structure will remain as scheduled.

Will round one go ahead as scheduled? 

Yes, but no fans will be allowed to attend matches. All spectators who purchased tickets for round one games via Ticketmaster or Ticketek are eligible to receive a refund. 

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Will the Grand Final still be on the last Saturday in September?

Not necessarily. The finals series could stretch into October to allow for any delays to the season.

Have any players or officials tested positive to COVID-19?

No. Fremantle's Sam Switkowski and Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury both returned negative tests, while Richmond player Lauren Tesoriero sat out of the round six AFLW game against St Kilda as she self-quarantined after her housemate recently returned from Japan.

What happens if a player tests positive?

In the interests of safety and integrity, the AFL would suspend the entire competition for a minimum of 30 days.

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What precautions have clubs taken?

Clubs have started restricting access between fans and players, closing all training sessions and public spaces at their headquarters. Some clubs have cancelled press opportunities, while others have taken place with two-metre gaps between journalists and AFL players and coaches, or conducted them online.

Some clubs are also training in smaller groups, have reduced the amount of face-to-face contact, have enacted 'social distancing' within their walls and have discouraged players from spending excessive time in public. 

Will the players take a pay cut with fewer games played?

Given the reduced length of the season, the AFL Players' Association is open to discussing mass player pay cuts. A figure of 20 per cent has been raised. The senior coaches have already committed to a 20 per cent pay cut. AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has also confirmed that he will take a pay cut.

What's happening with the NAB AFL Women's Competition?

The final two rounds of the AFLW season have been cancelled and the competition is moving straight to a three-week, eight-team finals series. All games will be closed to fans. Several Irish players have opted to return to their home country ahead of any possible border closure due to the widespread virus outbreak in Europe.

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What about the state leagues?

The state leagues will shut down until at least May 31. This comprises men's and women's competitions in each of the VFL, SANFL, NEAFL, WAFL and TSL. All national and state talent programs will also delay the start of their seasons until the end of May.

Will community footy go on?

The AFL has postponed all Auskick programs around the country until at least May 31. All independently governed community football leagues across the country have also been advised to postpone their seasons until at least May 31.