A couple has been pictured wrapped head to toe in plastic on a domestic flight in Australia, with many presuming it was an attempt to avoid contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Twitter user Alyssa shared the video on social media, which has been viewed more than 47k times.

She said in the caption: "Currently behind me on the plane. When you super scared of #coronavirus #COVID2019."

The video shows the couple in their seats, with a woman wrapped in a pink plastic outfit wearing a face mask, while her companion is wearing a white plastic sheet with holes cut out for his arms and legs, as well as a face mask.

The flight was travelling between Sydney and Hamilton Island in Australia, which has 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Some social media users thought the DIY hazmat suits were an excellent idea, and replied to the video.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Travel and safety advice

"Actually they are the smart ones the rest are being contaminated inside the plane because of air filtration is not the best inside a plane..." said one Twitter user.

Another person added: "Maybe we should all be like this guy. Perhaps he's the smart one here."

How does coronavirus affect the body? (Graphic: Tara Blancato)

"Not gonna lie I'd do the same thing," a third replied on the social media site.

While the video and its subjects did garner praise, there were many other users who found a flaw in these supposedly "smart" outfits.

"Then the virus is attached to the plastic, when you take it off you come in contact. Just thinking that's what will happen," one astute commented reminded Twitter users.

The latest travel advice for Australia warns visitors that there are temporary restrictions for anyone visiting the country who has travelled through China, even if just in transit.

To prevent the spread of the virus, people are warned to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing, while throwing away tissues and washing hands with soap and water.