The man, who works at a defence force base, said he was following protocol after receiving notification from the Australian Defence Force on Sunday that any personnel or contractor with flu-like symptoms should not attend work and undergo testing.

Having battled a persistent cough and sneezing for several weeks, he contacted Shoalhaven Hospital and was immediately referred to the healthdirect hotline.

After listening to his symptoms, the registered nurse he spoke to at healthdirect advised him that he should seek testing within 12 hours.

"There's no GPs around in Nowra on a Sunday, so I thought it best to ring the hospital to let them know I was coming in for testing," he said.

"The person I was put through to asked me whether I'd travelled overseas recently - which I haven't - and whether I'd had exposure to anyone with the virus - which I didn't think I had.

"They then told me to not bother coming in, and that if I did the test would probably just end up in the bin anyway."

The man, in his 60s, was unable to get into his regular GP on Monday morning, so will try again Tuesday. He's not attending work and is in self-isolation.

"For the record I don't think I've got coronavirus, but that's beside the point," he said.

"I'm angry the hospital fobbed me off because they didn't think I fit the criteria.

"The ADF statement on Sunday confirmed that two defence members had tested positive for coronavirus - we don't know where they are based."

In the statement, the ADF said the two staff members had been isolated, and it was co-operating with NSW and ACT health authorities to contact, isolate, test and support persons involved.

Labor's health spokesman, Keira MP Ryan Park, said the Shoalhaven Hospital incident was "very concerning".

"Members of the public are trying to do the right thing and it is clear the health system is simply not ready to deal with this looming public health crisis," he said.

"The government has failed to sufficiently support local hospitals by ensuring they are adequately staffed, resourced and have the correct information."

Mr Park said the health system was under enormous pressure, and would only get worse if the NSW Government didn't act quickly.

"We need the government to provide additional funding to support health services.

"They should be setting up centralised testing centres, ensuring sufficient staffing numbers and making sure those staff on the frontline have adequate personal protective equipment available."

An additional seven cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in NSW on Monday, bring the total number of confirmed cases across the state to 47.

An Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokesperson was not able to provide comment on a particular case, however was able to give general advice on coronavirus testing.

"It is pleasing that people are becoming aware of the symptoms and testing criteria around COVID-19 and are coming forward to be tested," the spokesperson said.

"People who feel unwell, develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of overseas travel, or have a connection to a previous case are advised to seek medical attention so an assessment and or test can be conducted."

The best advice for people who fell into these categories was to call their GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. If their symptoms are critical enough, they should visit their local hospital emergency department but call beforehand.

The spokesperson said any GP or emergency department could order a COVID-19 test.

"To help assist with the spread of COVID-19 people should maintain good hand-washing practices clean their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub, cover their nose and mouth when coughing, sneeze into their elbow and stay at home if they're sick."

For more information visit the NSW Heath website.