New South Wales health authorities have confirmed two cases of likely human-to-human transmission of coronavirus on Australian soil.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard confirmed that test results received on Monday afternoon confirmed three new cases in the state - two of whom are believed to have contracted the illness through human-to-human transmission.

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They would be the first people to have contracted the virus from others within Australia, a new development that is worrying health authorities.

One person is a male health care worker who had not been overseas for at least three months, while the other is the sister of a 43-year-old man who tested positive after returning from Iran on Saturday.

The 41-year-old woman, who is being treated in Westmead Hospital, had not recently travelled overseas.

Hazzard said it was a “high likelihood” she had contracted the illness through human-to-human transmission in NSW.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant applauded the woman for coming forward for testing and said it was “pleasing” members of the community were acting on the advice of health authorities.

Second case

The second case of human-to-human transmission on Australian soil is believed to be a health care worker in NSW.

The 53-year-old man, who has been working in a “clinical situation” with patients, returned a positive result in the third of three tests.

Hazzard said this was “particularly concerning” as the man had not travelled overseas for at least three months.

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Authorities say given the nature of his work, it’s highly likely he came into contact with several people over the age of 65.

The news of the two Australian-transmitted cases comes as the first case of the disease was confirmed in Tasmania on Monday afternoon.

Cautious but not alarmed

Hazzard urged Australians to be cautious “but not alarmed” while adding that “for the time being” individuals should re-assess how they greet people on a day-to-day basis.

“It’s a very Australian thing to do, put your hand out to shake hands,” he said.

“I would be suggesting that it’s time Aussies gave each other a pat on the back for the time being.

Chevron Right Icon ‘I would be suggesting that it’s time Aussies gave each other a pat on the back for the time being.’

“It would be sensible not to be handshaking ... it’s very automatic but don’t do it.”

The minister also said: “Exercise a degree of care and caution with who you decide to kiss ... commonsense should prevail.”

Hazzard was quick to reassure the community there had been other viruses - such as the 2009 swine flu pandemic - which had successfully been dealt with.

However, he added, “we don’t have herd immunity (yet) ... so let’s be a little cautious”.