Anthony Albanese tests positive for COVID-19 forcing him to isolate during election campaign

The Opposition leader will be required to isolate for the next seven days, with COVID-19 throwing a wrench in his election campaign plans.

ELECTION22 ANTHONY ALBANESE ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese shakes hands with a resident during a visit to Symons House Retirement Village on Day 11 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Nowra, Thursday, 21 April, 2022. Source: AAP / Lukas Koch

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has contracted COVID-19 forcing him into isolation for the next seven days of the election campaign.

In a statement, Mr Albanese said he returned the positive test ahead of a trip to Western Australia on Thursday evening.

"I have returned a positive result for COVID this evening," he said.

"I will be isolating at home in Sydney for the next seven days and will continue to follow health guidelines and advice."

Mr Albanese said he was "feeling fine", following the positive test.

"I am grateful to know that I will have access to the world's best health care if I need it, because of Medicare," he said.
It is not known where Mr Albanese contracted the illness, but he has maintained a busy schedule of public events on the campaign trail.

On Wednesday night he faced off against the prime minister during the first leaders' debate of the election campaign in Brisbane.

He visited a nursing home in Nowra on Thursday during a campaign trip to the NSW south coast. He was wearing a mask while at the premises.

The Opposition leader had not previously contracted COVID-19 and the Labor campaign has been very conscious about trying to guard against this prospect.
ELECTION22 ANTHONY ALBANESE ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Anthony Albanese speaks to a resident during a visit to Symons House Retirement Village on Day 11 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Nowra, Thursday 21 April 21, 2022. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
This has included media travelling with Mr Albanese's team being required to undertake regular rapid antigen tests every three days and wear masks on transportation.

This is in contrast to Mr Morrison who contracted COVID-19 in March this year.

SBS News understands the Labor team is now considering contingencies for the campaign while Mr Albanese is in isolation.

Senior Labor operatives have prepared for this prospect and are weighing up whether to use replacements from the Labor frontbench to continue the campaign.
It is unclear how the Opposition leader's diagnosis could impact Labor's plans to hold a campaign launch on 1 May in Perth, Western Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison wished his opponent "all the best" in his recovery.

"I wish Anthony Albanese all the best for his recovery after testing positive to COVID," he wrote on Twitter.

"Everyone’s experience with COVID is different and as Labor’s campaign continues, I hope he does not experience any serious symptoms."
Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen also wished the Labor leader a speedy recovery.

"My advice is to rest up, because there is much work to do when you're out of isolation to win this election," he said on Twitter.

"Then a huge amount of work to do to give Australia a government we can be proud of."

Greens leader Adam Bandt also offered Mr Albanese his well wishes.

"In the meantime, I hope election 2022 can shift to a hybrid workplace mode and that we still get to see you on our screens," he said.

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3 min read
Published 21 April 2022 6:44pm
Updated 21 April 2022 9:27pm
By Tom Stayner
Source: SBS News


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