The Alfred hospital has already dealt with multiple suspected cases of coronavirus as Victoria’s health system prepares for a possible surge in infections.

The hospital has activated infection control measures prepared following the SARS epidemic, and alerted doctors in the emergency and intensive care departments to be on the lookout for signs of the virus.

Patients reporting with fevers and who have just returned from China are being given masks and moved into isolation while tests are conducted.

The Alfred hospital has activated infection control measures prepared following the SARS epidemic. Credit:Wayne Taylor

People can have the virus for up to two weeks before they show symptoms – meaning the number of cases could rise rapidly. Some healthcare workers in China have also been infected.