The first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in the Far North.

A woman is currently isolated in the Cairns Hospital with mild symptoms and contact tracing is underway.

She had recently arrived in Australia from overseas.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) has urged the community to remain calm.

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“Our Health Service is well prepared to respond to COVID-19,” CHHHS said.

“Please remember people will not be tested for COVID-19 unless they have been overseas in the past 14 days and have a fever or respiratory symptoms, or have a had close contact with a known confirmed case."

Queensland has recorded 50 new cases of coronavirus today, taking the state’s total to 144. 

The patients consist of 25 males and 25 females between the ages of 1 and 79.

Today’s total is a significant increase in comparison to what has been seen so far, however, Queensland Health are urging Queenslanders to remain calm and keep informed.

The majority of cases remain to be from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas.

You can help protect the vulnerable in our community by:

• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs.
• covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• avoiding touching your face, nose and mouth. And avoid shaking hands.
• staying home if you are unwell.
• staying 1.5m away from anyone coughing or sneezing.

Anyone with concerns can call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or find up-to-date reliable information on the Queensland Health website at www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus