Senator Susan McDonald shares COVID-19 experience
After more than a fortnight, North Queensland Senator Susan McDonald still does not know how she contracted coronavirus which she said was a harrowing reminder for people to abide by imposed restrictions.
Townsville
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After more than a fortnight, North Queensland Senator Susan McDonald still does not know how she contracted coronavirus, which she said was a harrowing reminder for people to abide by imposed restrictions.
On the day of the Cowboys versus Broncos clash on March 13 she felt unwell, opting not to go to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium NRL opener, instead she went to hospital before returning to her Townsville home.
“That weekend I felt achey and tired … same as you would feel if you had a bad cold,” she said.
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On Monday, March 16 it was confirmed Senator McDonald had contracted the virus, becoming the region’s second confirmed case, after Ann Roberts School of Dance production manager Andre Reynaud tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand on March 15. There have since been 21 confirmed coronavirus cases in Townsville.
On the day Senator McDonald received her result, she returned to Townsville University Hospital, staying a night in the isolation unit.
“I had seen a large number of people in the preceding days, including my parents. I was feeling nervous about what it would mean for me but what topped my mind was how many people I had seen – you just don’t know when you could be sick or contagious,” she said. “It was terrifying to think all the wonderful people that I have been touch with and could have passed on the serious virus.
Senator McDonald was released from hospital on Tuesday, March 17.
She had “low viral load” but still to this day, after 14 days of self-isolating, battles bouts of tiredness.
The common incubation period for coronavirus ranges up to 14 days. In that period, the Townsville-based Senator said she had travelled all over Queensland and down to Sydney, where more than 1400 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed by health authorities.
She was the second federal parliamentarian to test positive, after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton but maintained she had no contact with him.
Not knowing how she contracted the virus reiterated the need for increased hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly and often, keeping a 1.5m distance, covering coughs and sneezes, and disposing of tissues quickly.
Senator McDonald was concerned for North Queenslanders who have been ostracised after being diagnosed or simply choosing to self-isolate.
“Their families have been bullied online, or places where they work, they have been entered,” she said.
“This is not helpful.”
Originally published as Senator Susan McDonald shares COVID-19 experience
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