A man has tested positive for coronavirus after travelling from Iran to Launceston via Malaysia and Melbourne, Tasmanian authorities have confirmed.

Key points: The 40-year-old man reported a mild cough before he presented at Launceston General Hospital on Saturday

The 40-year-old man reported a mild cough before he presented at Launceston General Hospital on Saturday The man "self-isolated" after he underwent testing, the Tasmanian Minister of Health said, adding the public is "at low-risk"

The man "self-isolated" after he underwent testing, the Tasmanian Minister of Health said, adding the public is "at low-risk" The man is one of a number of people who have tested positive after coming from Iran

He is currently being treated at the Launceston General Hospital.

It is Tasmania's first confirmed case of the virus.

The man arrived in Launceston on Saturday on Virgin flight VA-1368, which left Melbourne at 1.10pm and landed in Launceston at 2.15pm.

Announcing the case at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Tasmania's Public Health director Mark Veitch said the 40-year-old man had "limited travel" in Launceston since arriving on Saturday from Iran, via Malaysia.

"Our initial understanding is that he had very little movement through Launceston, really getting between the airport and reaching his residence, so we don't believe there's any wider risk to the Launceston community," Dr Veitch said.

Dr Veitch said the man had discussed his cough with a person helping him settle into his Launceston residence, who had suggested the man contact public health.

Tasmanian Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the man had "self-isolated" before presenting at the LGH.

Ms Courtney said following a test for the virus, the man left the hospital and returned to his residence.

"I must reiterate, Tasmanians are at low risk," she said. "We will continue to keep the public fully informed."

Prior to the positive test, about 50 people in Tasmania had been tested for coronavirus, all returning negative results

A number of people have tested positive after arriving from Iran. ( Reuters: Gustavo Graf )

The man, whose name has not been released, is being interviewed by a Public Health nurse to identify his movements since leaving Iran, particularly to clarify details of the flights he took.

"The risk to any passengers or crew on this flight is very low from this man," Dr Veitch said.

Dr Veitch said the man had reported having a fever "a couple of weeks ago" in Iran, and it was possible the illness may have occurred then and testing was picking up "the tail end".

He said the man was currently "quite well".

Ms Courtney said there were "two to three tests being run at the moment, and around 50 that have been carried out to date".

Anyone who was on that flight and has felt unwell should contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Premier rules out new quarantine laws

Premier Peter Gutwein said Tasmania was well prepared to deal with the virus.

"Tasmanians should just go about their normal daily lives," Mr Gutwein said.

"But be aware that should they find that there are any symptoms they want to check that they speak to their GP or contact our helpline."

Mr Gutwein said he did not see any need for new laws such as those being proposed in South Australia, which would expand the powers of health authorities to detain and quarantine people who may have been exposed to coronavirus.

He said Tasmania's public health authority was well resourced, and more resources would be provided if necessary.

Over the weekend, 78-year-old West Australian James Kwan became the first Australian to die from the virus when he passed away at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth on Sunday morning.

Mr Kwan contracted the disease on board the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, before his health deteriorated rapidly while he was in isolation in hospital.

On Saturday, a Victorian man being held in quarantine in the Northern Territory tested positive to COVID-19 and will be flown with his partner back to their home state.

The man — who had been evacuated from the cruise ship Diamond Princess — was one of four people tested on Saturday at the Manigurr-ma quarantine centre, a statement from the NT Department of Health said.

Anyone in Tasmania with concerns or further questions can call the helpline on 1800 671 738 or visit the coronavirus information website.