Several new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in South Australia, with fears they are linked to infectious Qantas baggage handlers.

Six airport workers were announced as being infectious on Tuesday, causing a mid-air diversion of a flight from Sydney bound for Adelaide.

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South Australian health authorities began tracing contacts to determine whether the workers had passed on the virus.

The state’s Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier told ABC Radio there are confirmed contact cases, but could not say exactly how many.

Authorities are yet to determine how the baggage handlers contracted COVID-19 - sparking fears about whether there could be contaminated luggage.

FILE IMAGE: Six Qantas staff at Adelaide Airport have tested positive to COVID-19, forcing colleagues into isolation. Credit: 7NEWS

A Qantas spokesperson confirmed their employees were receiving treatment for the virus.

“We’re working with SA Health who are conducting a thorough tracing process for each of the confirmed cases,” a spokesman said.

Other employees who may have had contact with these employees will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.”

Six Qantas staff at Adelaide Airport have tested positive to COVID-19, forcing colleagues into isolation. Credit: Bullit Marquez / AP

Authorities have said the virus can survive on certain surfaces for long periods of time.

Travellers who had recently passed through Adelaide Airport are being encouraged to disinfect their luggage and remain vigilant for symptoms.

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The airport itself, meanwhile, is taking no chances.

Only passengers with valid boarding passes or staff members are able to enter the building.