The health department has announced nine new cases of coronavirus in Victoria, including the state’s first community transmission.

The new cases were confirmed on Thursday and include six men and three women, all aged between 20 and 70, bringing the state total to 36.

They are all recovering at home in isolation.

Of the nine new cases, seven have a history of international travel, and one confirmed case who attended the Golden Plains music festival was not unwell at the event.

The other case has no history of international travel and is the first case of community transmission in the state.

Victoria’s Chief Officer Professor Brett Sutton confirmed the nine new cases. Credit: JAMES ROSS / AAPIMAGE

The Formula One season-opening round was set to start with Friday’s practice but was cancelled after McLaren pulled out when a team member tested positive to the virus on Thursday.

“There have been a number of new developments in the past 24 hours,” Victoria’s Chief Officer Professor Brett Sutton said.

“This includes the positive test in a Formula One team member, the rapidly changing threat posed by the spread of the virus in Europe, and the cancellation and suspension of other mass gathering events around the world.”

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“For the virus to spread, extended close personal contact is most likely required.

“But visitors to locations where cases have been should be aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

“Close personal contact is at least 15 minutes face-to-face or more than two hours in the same room.

“At the moment, we urge the public to be mindful and take steps to minimise the risk of COVID-19.”

The public exposure site of the new Victorian cases