The possibility of Western Australia being hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak is a matter of “when, not if”, according to Australian Medical Association WA president Andrew Miller, who has warned tens of thousands of people in Perth alone could require hospitalisation.

Despite WA having just one confirmed case of the virus as of Friday morning, Dr Miller was blunt in his assessment of the possibility of the situation escalating on home soil.

“It’s a bit like we’re standing on the beach expecting the tsunami now,” Dr Miller told 6PR’s Gareth Parker on Friday morning.

Australian scientists are searching for a breakthrough in the development of a coronavirus vaccine. Credit:AAP

“The numbers [of those affected] are alarming and difficult to believe. We’re getting ready.”