Federal Senator Susan McDonald returns positive COVID-19 result

Queensland Senator Susan McDonald has returned a positive test for COVID-19 and been admitted to hospital where she will remain on the advice of Queensland Health.

Nationals Senator Susan McDonald makes her maiden speech in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra.

Nationals Senator Susan McDonald makes her maiden speech in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP

Liberal National Senator Susan McDonald has tested positive for COVID-19 - becoming just the second federal politician to do so.

In a statement, the senator said she began feeling unwell on Friday evening with a sore throat and mild temperature before seeking medical assistance at the Townsville Hospital Emergency Department. 

Senator McDonald said she has remained in "self-isolation since that time".

"Unfortunately the test has today come back positive and I have now been admitted to hospital, where I will remain under the direction of Queensland Health," she said.
Senator Susan McDonald.
Senator Susan McDonald. Source: AAP
Senator McDonald was elected as a representative for Queensland last year and is based in Townsville.

Her positive result comes after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton was diagnosed with coronavirus on 13 March.

Parliament monitors coronavirus spread

Parliament, which usually sees around 5,000 people in a sitting week, also took unprecedented measures on Monday to prevent the spread of the contagion.

Parliamentarians are meant to return to Canberra next week to pass a $17.6 billion stimulus package announced by the Federal Government to ward-off the outbreak's economic impacts.
But uncertainty has been raised over this return with parts of the Parliament already shut to the public.

All school visits and tours have been postponed or cancelled, less ministerial staff will be required, and access restrictions will be imposed to pass-holders. 

Home Affairs Minister 'feeling much better'

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton was admitted to hospital last Friday after he returned a positive COVID-19 test but has since said he is "feeling much better".

On the advice of the nation's medical experts, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and fellow members of the cabinet were not tested following the diagnosis.
Peter Dutton in Washington with Ivanka Trump and Attorney General William Barr.
Peter Dutton in Washington with Ivanka Trump and Attorney General William Barr. Source: The White House
The cabinet was advised because there was no contact with Mr Dutton within 24-hours of him becoming symptomatic there was no need for this precaution.
Mr Dutton's diagnosis came after a visit to the United States, earlier this month, for a meeting relating to preventing online child exploitation.

During this, he came in contact with high-profile members of the White House, the president's daughter Ivanka Trump and Attorney General William Barr.

Both chose to work from home last Friday but neither have reported symptoms of the virus since the meeting.


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By Tom Stayner


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