Labor’s worst fears have been realised with Anthony Albanese testing constructive for COVID.
In a press release late Thursday, the opposition chief mentioned: “Following a routine PCR take a look at this afternoon forward of interstate journey to Western Australia, I’ve returned a constructive outcome for COVID this night”. He has been testing commonly.
“I will probably be isolating at dwelling in Sydney for the subsequent seven days and can proceed to observe well being tips and recommendation,” he mentioned.
Albanese mentioned that “whereas at dwelling I’ll proceed my obligations as different prime minister”.
“I’m feeling superb thus far – and thank everybody for his or her nicely needs,” he mentioned. “I’m grateful to know that I’ll have entry to the world’s greatest well being care if I would like it, due to Medicare.”
Senior Labor figures on Thursday evening had been discussing reconfiguring the marketing campaign.
Labor had war-gamed the chance Albanese would get COVID through the marketing campaign as a result of, not like Scott Morrison, he had not had it beforehand.
If Albanese stays nicely he’ll be capable to make some appearances nearly, and conduct media interviews.
However his stepping off the precise marketing campaign path will imply way more weight will fall on different Labor frontbenchers.
It was not clear on Thursday evening whether or not the chief’s airplane would proceed on its earlier deliberate route with a “surrogate” chief.
The setback comes simply as Albanese, who on Thursday flew from Queensland to regional NSW earlier than returning to Sydney, seemed to be hitting his straps after a foul first week. An viewers of undecided voters scored him the slender winner in Wednesday’s individuals’s discussion board.
Michelle Grattan doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or organisation that will profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their tutorial appointment.
