It comes after the AFL season was suspended until at least May 31 and the remainder of the AFLW season cancelled despite being a fortnight away from crowning a premiership winner.

The federal government has recommended a ban on "non-essential" domestic travel with several states and territories including the ACT planning to implement shutdown procedures.

The Giants were to host the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval on April 3 to kickstart the ninth season of a 10-year, $23 million deal with the ACT government to play games in Canberra.

Beyond that were games in Canberra on April 26 and August 1, but now officials have to settle on a new competition structure. The Giants will work with the government to bring a game to Manuka Oval, but when it might be remains uncertain.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

The ACT government has no claim against GWS or the AFL in circumstances which require changes to the competition as deemed fit by the league's head office.

Nor can either party be held responsible for failure to play games at Manuka Oval in unforeseen circumstances such as these.

It is believed the government would not be required to pay a match return fee of about $400,000 plus GST per match which would see the costs of the Giants deal reduced this season.

However a partnership plan fee of what is believed to be about $1,150,000 plus GST would be paid given it goes beyond playing games at Manuka Oval.

The partnership fee is designed to develop the Giants' brand in the ACT via the development of the club's academy program - which has also been halted in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic - as well as community and participation initiatives.

"This is first and foremost a community-wide issue that is impacting everyone, not just the AFL industry," Giants chief executive David Matthews said.

"Today's developments are a reflection of the worsening situation in the community and in response to decisions by federal and state governments.

"Ultimately we will not do anything to compromise the health and well-being of our players and staff.

"We will continue to work closely with the ACT government to work through an augmented AFL premiership season.

"We are all working towards completing the current AFL season throughout the course of the year but until we know more details we're not in a position to speculate on the make up of the 2020 fixture, including our schedule of home games."

The government has been contacted for comment after Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced a more comprehensive shutdown of non-essential services across the Canberra region.