Coronavirus pandemic: Second COVID-19 case in Armidale is 'most worrying yet' in region

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall described it as the most worrying yet in his electorate, as it was the first case where the person had not been overseas, and the source for contracting the virus was not known.

On social media, late on Tuesday, Mr Marshall said the new Armidale case was a person who had not been in personal contact with anyone already known to have coronavirus.

He said police and health authorities were still investigating the source, while the individual was completely isolated at home after being released from hospital.

"Now more than ever, as the virus makes its way through our shires, towns and villages, we must remain vigilant, follow the rules and do our part to keep ourselves and those around us safe from this disease," Mr Marshall said.

"It is critical that everyone in all our local communities continue to practice social distancing to minimise the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.

"This is important for everyone, but particularly for older people and people with health conditions that make them more vulnerable," he said.

The latest case brings the total number of cases within the Northern Tablelands electorate to eight.

The first coronavirus cases in the region were an Inverell couple who returned home from a cruise and were diagnosed last month, followed by an Emmaville couple who had also been on a cruise.

There was another case in Inverell after a group of travellers returned home. Others from the group were also tested.

Armidale had its first confirmed case of coronavirus after a test for the virus came back positive on Sunday, March 29.

The seventh case was a Uralla resident who had returned from an overseas trip.