In a statement from Design Tasmania board and staff, it was announced the building would be closed until April 6 at the earliest.

"[We] would like to extend our well wishes to the community during this challenging time," the message said.

"As a precautionary measure to ensure public health and safety, we have decided to close Design Tasmania's galleries and store effective from tomorrow, March 18.

Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Northern Tasmania

"During this time we will be focusing on Design Tasmania's online presence - via our social media, and website at designtasmania.com.au, where you will be able to shop and experience highlights from our exhibitions and collection.

"Thank you for your understanding."

Meanwhile, the Breath of Fresh Air film festival, scheduled to run at Village Cinemas from May 1 to 3, has been cancelled.

Festival director Owen Tilbury said it was especially devastating because it was the 10th anniversary of BOFA.

"We are gutted that this iconic year in the life of BOFA should be cancelled but we all felt that the health of our audiences and the need for them to focus on their well-being came first," he said.

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"The BOFA Board was unanimous in agreeing the festival should close, even though the program was going to the printers and the box office was due to start selling tickets next week."

Tilbury said the organisers had already spent nine months planning and curating films across themes such as Climate Action, Eat and Drink and World Stories.

However, it is investigating the feasibility of an online festival using a streaming platform.

In this way Tasmanians who feel isolated and who would have come to the festival can still view a limited program of the best films, Mr Tilbury said.

"Keep your ear to the ground," he said. "You haven't heard the last of BOFA 2020."