More than 100 Aussie kids stuck in virus lockdown in China

As the national number of confirmed Coronavirus cases continues to climb it has been revealed that more than 100 Aussie children are currently caught up in the lockdown in China.

QUEENSLAND Health says its latest tests on patients suspected of having novel coronavirus have all come back negative.

Tests were conducted on six people on Sunday, but Queensland is still yet to have any confirmed cases of the potentially-deadly illness.

Passengers wearing masks queue at ticketing booths at a high-speed train station connecting Hong Kong to mainland China on January 26. Picture: Dale De La Rey/AFP

Coronavirus: Australian government considers evacuation for Aussies trapped in China

Nationally, there are four confirmed cases – three in New South Wales and one in Victoria. However, that number could soon rise after another NSW patient tested positive during a preliminary examination. Confirmation about that patient is expected on Monday.

The growing figures comes as more than 100 Australian children are currently caught up in the lockdown of Wuhan and other coronavirus-hit places in Hubei province, according to The Australian.

Their parents have been desperately seeking help from the Australian government.

More than 90 concerned Chinese-Australians – most of them are parents of the affected children - have joined a WeChat group and have been collecting information about other Australians stranded in the area in an effort to pressure the government to get the children out of the virus epicentre.

A child arrives at an international airport from China. Picture: Alain Jocard/AFP

Meanwhile, Queensland’s chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said staff were contacting four people in Queensland who were on the same flight as the Victorian patient who tested positive.

Contact tracing was also underway in relation to the NSW patients.

“If these people are unwell, we will assess them for coronavirus,” Dr Young said.

Anyone who has developed a fever or respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel to China (particularly Wuhan), should see their GP immediately.

People are urged to call ahead and advise the clinic of their symptoms so precautions can be taken.

For information on coronavirus, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Originally published as More than 100 Aussie kids stuck in virus lockdown in China