Scott Morrison sick, cancels event to light up Sydney Opera House with Ukraine’s colours

Scott Morrison has cancelled an event in Sydney tonight after falling ill just hours after he tested negative to Covid-19.

Scott Morrison has confirmed he has tested positive for Covid-19 after cancelling an event in Sydney overnight.

The Prime Minister confirmed late Tuesday night that he has tested positive to Covid-19 and is “experiencing flu-like symptoms”.

The Prime Minister told cabinet colleagues this morning that a routine rapid antigen Covid had returned a negative test but he had a persistent cough during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Just after 7.30pm, the Prime Minister’s office told journalists he would not be attending a planned event in Sydney to light up the Opera House with Ukraine’s colours.

The event was scheduled to occur at 8pm and the NSW Government was advised he could not attend at “very” late notice.

The Prime Minister’s office said he was “no longer available” to attend the event but did not specify illness as the reason for his decision to cancel the appearance.

Just before midnight, Mr Morrison in a statement confirmed the diagnosis, saying: “I had tested myself daily since Sunday, including this morning, with all tests returning a negative result.

“I took a further test this evening after developing a fever late today.

“The test was inconclusive so I took a PCR test tonight which returned a positive result late this evening.

“I am continuing to follow health guidelines and am isolating at home in Sydney.

“Jenny and the girls have thankfully tested negative but will isolate for seven days at home as close contacts.”

Mr Morrison said that while in isolation, “I will continue to discharge all my responsibilities as Prime Minister, including virtually chairing meetings of the National Security and Expenditure Review Committees of Cabinet, focusing on our emergency response to the devastating floods in Queensland and New South Wales, and ensuring we stand with each and every one of the affected communities both now and as the waters eventually recede.

“I will also be focused on our urgent response to the tragedy unfolding in the Ukraine and Russia’s senseless aggression, staying in regular contact with our security and intelligence officials and our international partners, as well as working with the Treasurer to finalise the Budget.”

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The Opera House sails are lit with the colours of the Ukrainian national flag in Sydney. Picture: James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Last night, the PMO was not returning calls over whether Mr Morrison was undergoing further tests or what the nature of his illness was.

High profile government frontbenchers who have previously tested positive for the coronavirus include the deputy prime minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce who was struck down during a visit to London.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Defence Minister Peter Dutton earlier. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Last week, Clive Palmer tested positive to Covid and pneumonia prompting him to be rushed to hospital.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton also tested positive to Covid early in the pandemic following a trip to the United States.

The Prime Minister was expected to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky over the phone on Tuesday night.

Earlier, he declared Russia “a pariah state” as he announced a $100 million package of “lethal” weapons funding from Australia for missiles and ammunition.

The Prime Minister confirmed the announcement will include $50 million in missiles and ammunition in US dollars to Ukraine.

Ukrainian supporters attend a rally at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

A further $25 million in US dollars will go to international organisations to support their efforts with shelter, food, medical care, water and education support.

“This will be our opening contribution. We expect over time there will be further requests and we will be addressing those as time goes on,’’ he said.

“We’re talking missiles, ammunition, we are talking about supporting them in their defence of their homeland. The overwhelming majority of that will be in the lethal category.”

The package is worth an estimated $103 million in Australian dollars.

Originally published as Scott Morrison sick, cancels event to light up Sydney Opera House with Ukraine’s colours