Deadly coronavirus reaches Australia with first case confirmed

Photo: The Canadian Press

Travellers use hand sanitizer at Hong Kong International Airport.

The first case of the deadly coronavirus in Australia has been confirmed.

Australian news outlets are reporting the announcement, which was made Saturday morning Australian time by Australian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos. 

Mikakos confirmed the Chinese national in his 50's flew into Melbourne on Jan. 19 after spending two weeks in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

He is currently in isolation at a Melbourne hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia.

"This is an evolving situation. We are now one of eleven countries who have confirmed cases," Mikakos said.

"I do want to stress ... there is no reason for alarm in the general community. We have had flu epidemics in the past, including SARs and our system is geared up well to deal with this situation."

All other passengers on board the China Southern Airlines flight CZ321 from Guangzhou on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 19 are being contacted by health authorities.

The man's family are also being closely monitored for any signs of illness.

The news comes as China confirms over 1,280 people have been infected with the disease.