A second person has tested positive for coronavirus in Tasmania as health workers are warned the number of cases could peak around Easter.

Key points: The second case was confirmed in Hobart, but further details have not been made available

The second case was confirmed in Hobart, but further details have not been made available Last week, a 40-year-old man tested positive in Launceston, in the state's north

Last week, a 40-year-old man tested positive in Launceston, in the state's north Health staff has been briefed about the contingency plan in case of an outbreak

"Public Health Services has been notified of a confirmed case of coronavirus in Hobart," acting director Scott McKeown said in a statement.

The patient has been admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).

Last week, a 40-year-old man tested positive in Launceston, having arrived from Iran.

He visited the Woolworths store for about 15 minutes before self-isolating.

Hospital staff briefed on coronavirus plan

The cases came in the days after RHH health workers were briefed at a staff meeting about a plan in case the COVID-19 outbreak becomes a pandemic.

They have been told the number of cases could increase over the next two weeks, and peak in six to eight weeks — over the Easter and school holiday period.

They were told epidemiology assessments suggest up to 30 per cent of the population may be affected by it by that time.

While the Director of Public Health, Mark Veitch, disputed that figure — saying it was unlikely 30 per cent of the population would be affected — he said there were more cases to come.

To prepare for worst-case scenarios, a contingency plan has been put in place.

The plan means that the RHH's Assessment and Planning Unit will relocate in less than two weeks, and become a COVID-19 assessment unit instead.

Patients who test positive for the virus would be moved to a respiratory isolation ward.

The RHH's redevelopment, known as the K-Block, is low down the list as a viable option due to ongoing issues with water quality and air conditioning.

K-Block was on track to be completed last month, but the State Government has refused to take possession of the building.

The contingency plan might have direct implications on health staff.

Robbie Moore from the Health and Community Services Union said staff may soon be told annual leave is off the table.

"Part of what they've put to us is forcing staff to come back from annual leave. There's obviously significant issues in relation to that," he said.

"We have been briefed that they are looking at quarantining people for 14 days, when they've returned from certain areas.

"We're not against that step, but we just want to make sure it's not coming out of employees' current entitlements."

But a State Government spokesperson said it would be from personal leave.

"In the event that State Service employees currently overseas, or about to go overseas, become ill or are required to self-isolate, they will be covered under the Government's personal leave provisions," they said.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney is expected to make an announcement on travel and leave recommendations.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 15 minutes 1 second 15 m The Virus: 7.30 presenter Jeremy Fernandez takes an in-depth look at the spread of COVID-19.

Fewer hospitals in Tasmania a disadvantage, expert says

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Kathryn Snow said being an island state had pros and cons when it came to the spreading of the virus.

"I think Tasmania has a bit of an advantage in that it doesn't get the same volume of international visitors, that say New South Wales or Victoria would get," she said.

"But at the same time, having a small population who are spread out and less hospitals is a bit of a disadvantage.

"It's not about the person or the cases that are there right now, it's about the cases that might come in in the next couple of months and whether they're identified quickly."

She said the virus was "relatively infectious", and quick response could help limit the outbreak.

"We think most people who have the virus pass it on to between one and four other people," she said.

"And that's why we've seen it take off quite quickly in some countries."

She said Australia was still in the category of countries that had been able to contain the virus quickly, but these were still the early days.



"It really could go either way, I think. We almost certainly will see more cases coming in," she said.

She said Tasmanian health sector's "hope for the best and prepare for the worst" approach was adequate.

"People do need to start changing their habits and getting ready I think," she said.