Coronavirus-hit Australian composer 'in good spirits'

Celebrated classical musician Brett Dean has been confirmed as one of the Australians being treated for the coronavirus.

Dean, a renowned composer, conductor and violist, was due to lead the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on Saturday at an event for the Adelaide Festival.

But instead the 58-year-old is in hospital in Adelaide receiving treatment.

He spoke out from the isolation unit at Royal Adelaide Hospital, in a video message to fans.

"I'm in pretty good spirits, they're looking after me wonderfully," he said.

"In many ways, isolation is a habitat of choice for a composer anyway, but having said that, I am very disappointed not to be with you."

Intermusica, the agency that represents Dean, announced the diagnosis in a statement.

"Intermusica, along with Brett's publishers Boosey & Hawkes, have taken the necessary steps to inform all those who have worked with Brett in the last 14 days, further to NHS advice and SA Health Australia," the statement read.

"Our thoughts are with Brett at this difficult time and we wish him well in his recovery."

SA Health authorities revealed yesterday that a 58-year-old man had been diagnosed with coronavirus after arriving from Taiwan on Tuesday.

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Dean had just performed with the Taiwan Philharmonic at Taipei National Concert Hall.

He travelled aboard EVA Airlines Flight BR315 to Brisbane on Tuesday before taking a connecting flight to Adelaide on VA1394.

SA Health authorities said yesterday they were interested in seeing who he was sitting near on the planes.

"What we are really interested in is seeing who was sitting close by, and whether she was symptomatic during the flight," Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said.

"The people that we have more concern about is the people that sit two rows ahead of anybody who was a case, or two rows behind, and also to either side."

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Prof. Spurrier said anyone who has been within a metre and a half for a prolonged period of time is at risk.

"If somebody has just walked past, if you were in a shopping centre, that does not constitute any significant risk," she said.

If you are unwell call ahead before visiting your GP or call healthdirect for advice on 1800 022 222.

GPs can arrange for COVID-19 testing, or if you are very unwell, you can also call ahead before attending your local emergency department for assessment.