Kapooka Commandant Colonel Jim Hammett said closing the near weekly march-outs to the public was "perhaps the largest step taken" in a series of "prudent and precautionary" measures that the base implemented to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

He said recruits will not have local leave into town, sports on base had stopped, which includes staff playing sport in the community, and guided tours of Canberra's war memorial were cancelled.

"It is going to be challenging for some of the recruits, but on the upside they are recruits. They are kept busy ... and still undergoing training," he said.

"We do have a variety of social establishments here on the base that they can still attend, albeit with social distancing and protocols implemented."

Colonel Hammett said there are no cases of COVID-19 and recruits have not required any testing to date. He said new recruits undergo "comprehensive vetting calls" before enlistment day.

"Anyone who has even the slightest remote risk of coming into contact with somebody, who may have come into contact with somebody, are having their entry day deferred," he said.

"On enlistment day itself each entrant has an individual examination by a medical health professional to determine if they are a low risk."

Once on base, new recruits will spend two and half weeks isolated from the mainstream community.

If no signs and symptoms manifest, he said they will return to the general population.

Colonel Hammett said the base will continue to work to the guidelines to reduce transmission of the disease.

Those suffering acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who have recently returned from travelling or are a contact of a confirmed case are urged to be tested for the virus. To do this, call HealthDirect on 1800 0222 222 to be triaged and advised by a nurse over the phone. Alternatively, contact your GP to book an appointment and let them know in advance if you have symptoms - these might include fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.