However, authorities have stressed that Tasmanians remain at a low risk, with no further actions on behalf of the public required as of Monday night. The 40-year-old arrived in Tasmania on Saturday after travelling from Iran and through Malaysia and Melbourne.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said the man had been in self-quarantine after experiencing symptoms, but would be transferred to the Launceston General Hospital to be clinically managed.

"Our initial understanding is he had very little movement through Launceston ... getting between the airport and reaching his residence, so we don't believe there's any wider risk to the Launceston community."

The man arrived in Launceston on Virgin flight VA-1368, which left Melbourne at 1.10pm and landed in Launceston at 2.15pm.

Dr Veitch said Public Health services would be contacting all passengers on the flight as part of the response, however the risk to other passengers and crew was low.

As of Monday 49 tests have been completed on 47 people in Tasmania, with only one positive result.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the state was well prepared to deal with coronavirus, with a whole-of-government response in place.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said a public health emergency had not been declared in Tasmania, however there was capacity within the state's health system to handle any escalations.

"I want to be very clear that a public health emergency has not been declared and Tasmanians are at a low risk," Ms Courtney said.

"We have capacity within our system and we are ensuring that should there be more cases, or should there be an escalation, we are very well prepared to handle this."

The man left Iran mid-last week. Dr Veitch said after being taken to his accommodation in Launceston on Saturday, he reported his symptoms including a cough and fever to the Public Health hotline.

Testing was arranged at the LGH on Sunday morning, with the results confirmed at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Monday.

Dr Veitch said the man, described as being "mildly unwell", reported having a fever a couple of weeks ago. He said it was possible the tests were picking up the "tail end" of the illness.

The man has been interviewed by Public Health, with any close contacts also being identified. They will remain in self-quarantine for 14 days.

Ms Courtney said the man did wear a face mask when he presented at the LGH. Mr Gutwein said the state emergency management committee had met on Monday, with a level one response under the pandemic plan in place.

"Obviously our thoughts are with the gentleman concerned, who will now be cared for and supported at the LGH under appropriate circumstances for his condition," he said.

"I want to reassure Tasmanians that this case does not present as evidence of the disease spreading within the Australian or the Tasmanian community."

Australian Medical Association state president John Burgess said Tasmanians did not need to change their behaviour or activities because of the positive result.

"The spread of coronavirus is an unfolding situation around the world," he said.

"It is not unexpected that coronavirus would reach Tasmania at some point."

For information about coronavirus call the national 24-hour coronavirus information line on 1800 020 080.

Tasmanian Department of Health updates can be found online here.