WA Premier McGowan tests positive to Covid

After keeping his state Covid free for two years, Mark McGowan has revealed the virus has finally caught up to him.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has tested positive for Covid-19.

Mr McGowan announced the news on Friday, saying the result was “not surprising” after a member of his family tested positive earlier in the week.

He had initially returned a negative test but a second PCR had confirmed he had the virus.

The Premier has been in isolation since Wednesday but has said he will extend his quarantine period until Thursday at the earliest, in accordance with the state’s health protocols.

“I will continue to quarantine and work from home over this period,” he said.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced on Friday he had tested positive for Covid-19. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

The Premier is scheduled to attend federal Labor’s election campaign launch in Perth on May 1.

Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese also tested positive for Covid on Thursday, scrapping plans to travel to WA for the next week of campaigning.

Both men are expected to be out of isolation in time for Labor’s campaign launch.

Mr McGowan did not share how he was feeling but thanked staff at testing clinics and healthcare workers across the state.

Mr Albanese and Mr McGowan are due to be out of isolation in time for Labor’s planned WA launch. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

“Their ongoing efforts have enabled us to not only detect and monitor the spread of Covid-19 in the community, but also allowed us to keep on top of the evolving challenge we are navigating throughout our state,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the vital contribution of our committed health workers who have not only cared for my family, but also the many Western Australians who have been affected by this virus.

“The WA community has been fantastic throughout this global pandemic, and WA’s success to date is a credit to each and every Western Australian who continues to follow the health guidelines and keep our community safe, and our economy strong.”

Originally published as WA Premier McGowan tests positive to Covid