American actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson — who both tested positive for COVID-19 last week — have been discharged from the Gold Coast University hospital as Queensland's total number of cases reach 78.

Key points: Hanks urged people to follow the advice of health experts

Hanks urged people to follow the advice of health experts Queensland cases for COVID-19 reaches 78

Queensland cases for COVID-19 reaches 78 More than 3,400 people are in self-isolation in Queensland

In an Instagram post today, Hanks's son Chet said both his parents had been released from hospital and were feeling a lot better.

"They are still self-quarantined obviously, but they are feeling a lot better so that's a relief," Chet Hanks said in the video post.

"I just want to say anyone else out there that has loved ones, or if you yourself are inflicted with the virus, my prayers go out to you, because a lot of people are suffering other than my parents right now.

"I just wish everyone a swift and speedy recovery."

Chet also took aim at people who were stockpiling food and other items, calling for calm.

"I think the most important thing is that we stay calm because panicking really isn't necessary," he said.

Hanks was in Queensland to work on an Elvis biopic with director Baz Luhrmann.

Production of the film has been put on hold, and other cast and crew are believed to be in self-isolation.

Hanks revealed the couple's diagnosis on social media last week and thanked "everyone here Down Under" who had taken care of them.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson went into hospital on the Gold Coast last week after testing positive for coronavirus. ( Instagram )

Hanks also urged people to follow the advice of experts.

"There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no?" he wrote.

Earlier this month, Wilson performed on stage to an audience at the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane's South Bank, as well as the Sydney Opera House.

QPAC closed in Brisbane

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has closed all its theatres from today until April 30.

QPAC chief executive John Kotzas said the decision to cancel all performances and projects was "necessary and disappointing".

"However, the health and wellbeing of the community is the centre's number one priority," he said.

Mr Kotzas said all patrons impacted by cancellations would be contacted by QPAC and offered a full refund on their tickets.

The announcement came a short time after organisers cancelled the Curiocity Brisbane festival, which had been due to begin on Friday.

Numbers increase in Queensland

Queensland's tally of known coronavirus cases has climbed to 78, up from 69 overnight with one confirmed fatality.

Queensland Health said nine patients had recovered.

Health Minister Steven Miles said the Red Cross had made more than 8,800 welfare calls to more than 3,400 people around the state who are in self-isolation.

At least 19 fever clinics were opened yesterday and more are expected in coming weeks with about 20,000 tests having been conducted across the state.

A 36-year-old woman is in Mackay Base Hospital after visiting Hamilton Island in north Queensland and testing positive to the virus yesterday.

A spokeswoman for Hamilton Island Enterprises said the island was operating as normal and had not been advised to close.

Whitsunday Tourism said the region had lost close to $30 million in earnings since February due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey announced additional cleaning regimes on TransLink buses, trains, trams and ferries across South East Queensland.

"We're also encouraging operators and their staff to continue taking practical health and safety measures such as using hand sanitiser and gloves when handling cash," he said.

Other measures to cut down the spread of the virus include the suspension of all jury trials and the cancellation of Anzac Day ceremonies.

Several state MPs who have been given notice to work from home.

Queensland police have also suspended random roadside drug and alcohol testing over coronavirus concerns.

In a statement, police said they would still "undertake random breath and drug testing through high visibility mobile patrols".

Community leaders self-isolate after senator tests positive

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto revealed he would not be attending State Parliament, as he is awaiting a COVID-19 test result.

"I have been tested early this morning and have been self-isolating since learning of the situation after displaying mild, cold-like symptoms," he said in a statement.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O'Callaghan, Charters Towers Mayor Liz Schmidt and Deputy Mayor Sonia Bennetto are all self-isolating after attending the same Agribusiness forum that LNP senator Susan McDonald attended.

Senator McDonald revealed overnight that she had tested positive to COVID-19.

James Cook University (JCU) vice chancellor Professor Sandra Harding, who met with the senator on Friday morning, has also entered self-quarantine.

In a statement, JCU said Professor Harding was feeling well and was not required to test for COVID-19.