More than a thousand people are now in isolation across Queensland, facing a nervous wait to see if they have the novel coronavirus.

The state’s chief health officer Jeannette Young on Monday visited Cairns to inspect the work being done there to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The city sees a number of direct international flights arriving without passing through another larger Australian city, and so is a key entry point for potential cases.

The four tour members who have coronavirus and the five others in isolation are all at Gold Coast University Hospital. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

Dr Young said she was "very impressed" with the preparations being put in place in Cairns to prevent any spread of the virus.