A Victorian doctor who treated more than 70 patients after falling ill has become the state's 11th confirmed case of coronavirus.
The doctor's diagnosis has prompted concern for those he treated at The Toorak Clinic in Melbourne, who, along with staff, are required to self-isolate.
Two patients he visited in Malvern's Mecwacare nursing home are also being isolated in their rooms.
"I'm absolutely flabbergasted that a doctor who has experienced flu-like symptoms has presented to work," Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said on Saturday morning.
"I understand it was very mild symptoms - perhaps he didn't make the potential link - but we've now got 70 patients that have been contacted so it is incredibly important that all healthcare workers take this matter very seriously."
The doctor in his 70s is believed to have contracted COVID-19 in the US state of Colorado.
He began to show symptoms while returning to Melbourne via San Francisco on 29 February.
Health authorities are focused now on minimising the risk of transmission and Ms Mikakos says people should still go about their lives as normal - which means not hoarding.
"You do not need to have months worth of food or toilet paper in your home ... it makes no sense whatsoever," she said, adding that the health department can arrange supplies for anyone caught short while self-isolating.
More cases in NSW
Meanwhile, NSW announced six new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the NSW total number to 34.
Health authorities are seeking to track down passengers on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha after a man in his 70s was among six new cases of the deadly virus diagnosed in the state.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday estimated the coronavirus outbreak could cost Australian taxpayers about $1 billion in health spending.
He announced a special shared funding deal to help states and territories shoulder hospital, health service and other response costs.
Nationwide, there have been more than 60 confirmed cases, with the rate rapidly climbing.
