A Warrnambool resident is awaiting test results to learn if they have coronavirus, The Standard can reveal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said there had been no confirmed cases in the city.
South West Healthcare revealed less than 20 people had been tested for the virus and no one had returned a positive result.
He said the public would be notified if any positive tests were returned. He stressed there was no need for alarm.
He said there had been at least 2000 negative tests returned across the state after cases of the virus were suspected.
The spokesman said there were 10 confirmed cases in Victoria and the public would be alerted if any more positive tests were confirmed.
He said if that occurred people would be advised of possible exposure sites.
The spokesman said test results were usually available within 24 hours.
Warrnambool Primary School principal Peter Auchettl said parents of students at his school had been advised a parent had presented to a doctor with flu-like symptoms.
He said he had been advised test results were expected on Thursday.
Mr Auchettl said anyone with concerns should contact the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Children don't appear to be as susceptible to the virus.
It is common practice for anyone presenting to a doctor or hospital with flu-like symptoms to be tested for coronavirus.
Anyone who tests positive will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
This may also be the case, even if they test negative to the virus.
The federal government has recommended against Australians travelling to mainland China and Iran at the current time.
Additional cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 are expected in Victoria as the illness continues to spread across the world.
Medical practitioners have been advised to consider testing anyone with compatible illness (fever or respiratory symptoms) who has recently travelled overseas, with a focus on current areas of high risk.
Before visiting your GP or emergency department you should call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
Hands should be washed regularly with soap and water. Respiratory and cough etiquette should be observed at all times. If you feel sick, avoid contact with others.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
