Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tests positive to coronavirus
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has become the first Australian politician to test positive for the Coronavirus, saying he got tested after waking up “with a temperature and sore throat”.
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HOME Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has become the first Australian politician to test positive for the Coronavirus.
The senior Cabinet Minister is currently in hospital, following protocols, having recently returned from the United States.
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The former Health Minister released a statement this evening to confirm he had tested positive to Covid-19.
“This morning I woke up with a temperature and sore throat,” Mr Dutton said.
“I immediately contacted the Queensland Department of Health and was subsequently tested for COVID-19.
“I was advised by Queensland Health this afternoon that the test had returned positive.
“It is the policy of Queensland Health that anyone who tests positive is to be admitted into hospital and I have complied with their advice.”
Mr Dutton said he felt fine and would provide an update in due course.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister Office said there was no need for other members of Cabinet to self-isolate at this stage.
“The Minister attended Tuesday’s meeting of the Federal Cabinet in person and Thursday’s meeting of the National Security Committee via video link,” the spokesman said.
“In advice provided to the Prime Minister this evening, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer has reiterated that only people who had close contact with the Minister in the preceding 24 hours before he became symptomatic need to self-isolate.
“That does not include the Prime Minister or any other members of the Cabinet.”
The spokesman said that Mr Dutton had been isolated and Queensland Health was undertaking the appropriate contact tracing.
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