The first hearing for the bushfire royal commission, originally scheduled to take place in Canberra on Tuesday, has been delayed to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has also suspended six planned community forums in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while a public submissions period has been extended by two weeks to April 17.

The changes were announced in light of the Federal Government’s unprecedented social distancing measures to battle coronavirus.

In a video update posted online, commission chair Mark Binskin says he is committed to ensuring work continues by “adapting the way we operate.”

“I strongly encourage anyone affected by the bushfires who has not yet had the opportunity to engage with the commission to make a submission,” Mr Binskin said. “We still want to hear your insights into the co-ordination, preparedness and planning in relation to natural disasters.”

Royal commission members visited fire-affected communities across Australia this month to see first-hand the impact of the recent bushfire, speaking with small groups representing fire-affected communities to hear background and context.

“The health advice limiting public gatherings means we have no choice than to suspend our community forums to help prevent any potential exposure to the virus,” Mr Binskin says.

“This is a different way of doing business but we will do everything we can to ensure the royal commission continues to consult and gather information, within our current health guidelines.”

After the first “ceremonial hearing” in Canberra this week, formal hearings were scheduled for Queensland in April, East Gippsland in May, NSW in June and Canberra in July.