Orange's bridge-playing community has been dealt a double blow due to the coronavirus.
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All club play has been cancelled for a month and a major tournament that would have attracted 120 players from around the state to Orange has been called off.
Orange Bridge Club president Murray Paterson said it was a big disappointment to the club's 150 members - many who are retirees and the people most at risk from the virus. "It is really a difficult time," he said.
Mr Paterson said the Orange economy, including accommodation and food and drink suppliers, would miss out with the players for the NSW Novice and Restricted Championships in Orange this weekend having to cancel.
He said the ban was recommended by the Australian Bridge Federation which said it was following other group's decisions.
"We feel it is a duty of care to our extremely high-risk clientele and to afford the highest level of health and safety to the members, their families and the wider community," it said.
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