Deputy PM tests positive for Covid, Premier and PM monitoring for symptoms
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has tested positive for Covid-19, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Dominic Perrottet have been advised to monitor for symptoms.
Barnaby Joyce tested positive for the virus after traveling to Washington DC for work relating to the government's plan for new regulations on social media.
Speaking with ABC Radio New England, the Deputy PM said he chose to get tested after experiencing mild symptoms.
"Look, obviously [I am] very frustrated I'm going to be locked up in a room by myself for 10 days, but that's part of the process," he said.
"It's probably developing, I'm probably very much in the early stages — but I'm more worried about being in a room by myself to be honest."
Barnaby's positive result comes just hours after Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet were told to monitor for Covid symptoms, after the Bathurst 1000 Supercar races were listed as an exposure site.
The Prime Minister and NSW Premier were among thousands of people at Mount Panorama for the Great Race on Sunday, where there has been at least three positive cases.
“I was informed early this afternoon that I’m not a close contact,” Mr Perrottet said on Wednesday.
“But obviously, for those people who have been to Bathurst and have symptoms, they need to get tested. And, if there is advice from NSW Health, then they need to follow that advice.”
The McPhillamy Park Campground, The Paddock Campground, Harris Park, Merchandise Alley, National Motor Racing Museum, and Inside Chase viewing area have all been listed as venues of concern.
Barnaby Joyce, Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet are all fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Image credits: Getty Images