Parliament House closes doors to public under strict COVID-19 protocols

Parliament House in Canberra will move into strict COVID-19 protocols from next week as the nation's capital readies itself for an influx of politicians.

From next Monday until September 3, Parliament House will be closed to members of the general public, including all public galleries.

The numbers of members and senators attending sittings in person will be "substantially reduced", while the technology to encourage remote participation will be rolled out around the houses.

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Under COVID-19 restrictions, politicians are classed as essential workers.

"Parliamentarians have been requested to only bring essential staff to Canberra and Parliament House. We expect that this will be limited to ministerial, shadow ministerial, party spokesperson and whips' staff," the Presiding Officers said in a statement.

"All external departments and agencies should minimise attendance of public servants unless on essential business."

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All school group bookings and all event bookings have been cancelled or postponed.

"The fitness centre and pool will be closed, along with the sports fields. Regular team sports will be cancelled," the Presiding Officers wrote.

"COVID-safe marshals will encourage physical distancing and the wearing of face masks in mixed areas of the building and gathering in high traffic areas will be discouraged.

"The strict measures will be outlined in greater detail in circulars for building occupants."

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Despite the harsh restrictions, the Australian Capital Territory has not recorded any new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

Travel restrictions are in place for anybody travelling to the ACT from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.