Australians should remain alert but not alarmed about the mysterious coronavirus, Prime Minister Scott Morrison reassured the public on Wednesday.
"I'm advised by the Chief Medical Officer the risk of transmission in Australia remains low, however the situation is evolving," he said.
"Our National Incident Response Centre has been activated and is helping coordinate our response with Commonwealth medical experts working together with states and territories."
Although no cases have been confirmed Down Under, a man who was suspected of contracting the illness after travelling to Wuhan, China was placed in isolation at his Brisbane home after developing a respiratory illness and has recovered.
"We have put in place new measures to protect Australians with biosecurity and health officials now meeting every flight from Wuhan for screening," Morrison said.
While the risks remain low, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy has urged anyone returning from overseas, who has developed flu-like symptoms, to seek urgent medical attention.
He added that health screenings at Australian airports will be ramped up as the situation unfolds.
