Man who travelled to Launceston from Iran tests positive for coronavirus

More details have emerged about the movements and symptoms of a man who tested positive for coronavirus after travelling from Iran to Launceston via Malaysia and Melbourne.

A 40-year-old man has been confirmed as Tasmania’s first case of coronavirus.

The man presented to the Launceston General Hospital to be tested after flying into Australia from Iran on Saturday.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said man initially called the public health hotline, and though he had mild symptoms, the call was taken very seriously due to his travel movements.

“He was tested at Launceston hospital and then went back to his residence, where he was able to stay quite safely until the result came through today,” he said.

“The test was conducted at the Hobart hospital today and that returned a positive result.”

Health Minister Sarah Courtney, Director of Public Health Mark Veitch and Premier Peter Gutwein at a press conference in Hobart. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The man is believed to have had fever while in Iran, but Dr Veitch said he was now only “very mildly unwell” and would be provided with clinical monitoring and support at the LGH.

“Our initial understanding is that he had very little movement through Launceston in between the airport and reaching his residence, so we don’t believe that there’s any wider risk to the Launceston community,” he said.

FIRST HUMAN-TO-HUMAN TRANSFER OF CORONAVIRUS IN AUSTRALIA

The man is being interviewed about his movements since leaving Iran, with the man also flying through Malaysia and Melbourne.

Dr Veitch said the man arrived in Launceston on Virgin flight VA-1368 which left Melbourne at 1.10pm and landed in Launceston at 2.15pm.

He urged anyone on that flight who is feeling unwell to contact the public health hotline on 1800 671 738.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the man had entered the country prior to the ban on foreign nationals from Iran entering Australia, which came into effect on March 1.

“He has had limited movement within the community, and has taken all necessary precautions including isolation, and on presenting symptoms contacted the public health hotline,” he said.

“We’re well-prepared as a state.

“I want to reassure Tasmanians that this case does not present as evidence of the disease spreading within the Australian or Tasmanian community.”

Ms Courtney said Tasmania remains well prepared. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Minister of Health Sarah Courtney said the man had followed all advice by self isolating and seeking advice.

“I want to be very clear that a public health emergency has not been declared and Tasmanians are at low risk,” she said.

“With regards to our preparations in Tasmania, we are very well prepared.

“We have demonstrated as a government that we can do this. We’ve done this in the past in 2009, in relation to swine flu.

“We do have capacity, and we do have experience.”

So far, 49 tests have been completed on 47 people in Tasmania. There has only been one positive test.

You can help slow the spread of viral illnesses by washing your hands often with soap and water, and using a tissue or elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, then disposing of the tissue in a rubbish bin.

For general information about coronavirus, call the national 24-hour coronavirus information line on 1800 020 080 or visit the Australian Government Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.