Woman undergoing testing for coronavirus in state’s north

UPDATED: A woman in her 20s is undergoing testing for the deadly coronavirus in the state’s north.

A WOMAN in her 20s was being tested for the emerging pandemic coronavirus at Launceston General Hospital on Wednesday.

Director of Public Health, Mark Veitch, said the woman had reported feeling unwell after travelling from China recently.

“While coronavirus is not strongly suspected, health authorities are taking a precautionary approach,” Mr Veitch said.

“She is admitted to the LGH.”

The Launceston General Hospital.

A Hobart man in his 30s was cleared of the potentially deadly virus after he was admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital on Saturday.

He had travelled to the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei Province, the origin of the virus, earlier this month.

The man had reported feeling unwell to a GP, but testing determined two common respiratory viruses were the cause of his symptoms and he was discharged.

UTAS PREPARING FOR CORONAVIRUS SPREAD

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said Launceston residents should continue to follow health updates from the State Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch.

Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“It’s important to note that the advice is that the woman [being treated at LGH] is not strongly suspected of having the virus and that it is — at this stage — purely a precautionary measure.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said the possibility of the virus reaching Tasmania was a challenging issue, but the Government was well prepared.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“The Tasmanian Government is viewing this matter seriously, but we’re approaching it responsibly and sensibly,” he said.

“I’m confident that our public health system can cope with this.

“I’ve been briefed this morning by the Director of Public Health, who informs me that the whole of government approach that we’re taking, led by DPAC in concert with health and other agencies is the right approach.

“It’s an issue that the Tasmanian Government has a plan for and importantly we will continue to work with our industry sectors to ensure that the impacts of the coronavirus are minimised and importantly, managed appropriately.”

As of Tuesday, the World Health Organisation reported the virus had spread to 14 countries outside of China, with 56 confirmed cases. Nearly all of those cases had reported travel to Hubei Province.

Clinical symptoms of the virus may include fever, cough, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, and difficulty breathing and can take up to 14 to show after a person has been infected.