Coronavirus: Chinese student tests positive in Australia after Dubai trip

The University of Queensland student had spent two weeks in Dubai before falling ill on his return to Australia

A police vehicle disinfects streets against coronavirus in Tehran, Iran. AP Photo

Pedestrians wearing face masks cross a street in northern Tehran, Iran. AP Photo

Nurses assemble plastic face shields at a hospital designated for the coronavirus patients in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. AP

A doctor in a protective suit checks with patients at a temporary hospital at Tazihu gymnasium in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. AP

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The National

A Chinese student tested positive for coronavirus on his return to Australia after a two-week stay in Dubai.

The University of Queensland student, 20, fell ill shortly after landing back in the country on February 23 but only went to hospital on Sunday, the state's health minister Steven Miles said.

He had spent 14 days in Dubai in an effort to bypass Australia's ban on travel direct from China, Australian media reported.

 

"The test returned positive last night," Mr Miles said on Tuesday.

"Our understanding is he has not attended campus at all. He does, however, have a housemate who is currently being tested and we expect those results tonight."

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It is understood that many Chinese students are overcoming the travel ban by self-isolating in other countries before flying back to Australia.

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Australia has recorded 34 cases of coronavirus, including one death.

The virus, known as Covid-19, has infected more than 90,000 people across the globe, with the death toll climbing above 3,000.

Updated: March 03, 2020, 9:55 AM