First coronavirus death confirmed in Australia

An elderly Perth man has become the first person in Australia to die from the coronavirus as authorities say an increase in cases is inevitable across the country. Western Australia's Chief Health Officer on Sunday confirmed the man died at a Perth hospital in the early hours of the morning.

The first Australian to die from coronavirus passed away at Perth's Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Source: SBS

Meanwhile, a man in his 40s who recently returned from Iran has been diagnosed with the illness in New South Wales. It comes after a woman who'd also travelled to the country tested positive on the Gold Coast.

Queensland's health minister says the government is working to clear patient backlogs in preparation for a possible outbreak in the state.

The state has at least nine confirmed cases of COVID-19, with the most recent being a 63-year-old woman who returned from Iran.

Health Minister Steven Miles says the measures aim to minimise the pressure that will be placed on hospitals and ensure faster access to treatments.

Listen to SBS Punjabi Monday to Friday at 9 pm. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.