Quarantined reporter gives insight into perils of shaking hands with power amid coronavirus spread

A handshake-friendly journalist has rued his palm placement dilemma as he contemplates a brush with political fame and possible COVID-19 infection.

SO I shook hands with coronavirus sufferer and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton while he may, or may not have been contagious – here’s how that worked out for me.

Peter Dutton discharged from hospital and recovering at home

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tests positive to coronavirus

Parents at two state schools north of Brisbane receive news of first self-isolation cases

Firstly, let me say I completely absolve Mr Dutton of any blame; he seemed in fine form on March 9 at the official opening of USC Moreton Bay and bore not a hint of his impending illness.

There to cover the momentous event, I as journalist and close follower of all things COVID-19, should frankly have kept my mitts to myself.

In fact I may have offered my hand to Mr Dutton in a social reflex hard to shake.

Minister Peter Dutton and USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill officially open USC Moreton Bay's foundation building at Petrie.

So when news broke on March 13 that the Member for Dickson was the latest high-profile coronavirus victim I found myself taking a very deep breath before summarily cancelling all family and social engagements.

I let work know of the close contact and scurried off home for impromptu quarantine.

Realising that you may have unbeknown spread the nefarious virus is unsettling to say the least and I wanted to get tested quick smart so it was off to the emergency ward the next morning.

Waiting in line at Redcliffe Hospital emergency did not make for a flattering experience.

As people we have a tendency to disregard what has now become an in vogue term: social distancing.

People attend the fever clinic at Redcliffe Hospital. Photo Steve Pohlner

Despite receiving clear instruction by the male nurse to maintain a metre-and-half distance between bodies you quickly find yourself too near a neighbour.

Everyone gets a mask upon arrival but not all masks are worn – a very determined toddler staunchly refused the admittedly foreign-feeling practice of face covering.

Health workers were noticeably surprised by the sheer number of test applicants (I counted twelve and growing in the few minutes I was there).

And then you line up, first outside which is reassuring given the slight breeze, and then inside the emergency ward foyer, which is rather concerning given your proximity to “regular” folk waiting on emergency care.

Peter Dutton with dog Ralph at home after testing positive with coronavirus.

After you have given your details at the counter you are led to a separate area for DNA swabbing and blood work.

And this is where my testing tale ends for I found out I did not qualify for it.

An emergency doctor informed that I had to have had close contact with Mr Dutton within 24 hours of him showing symptoms and I beat that by a few days.

I also had no symptoms of my own.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy assured all at a March 14 press conference of the supposed 24 hour rule.

In fact so sure was Prof Murphy of this he stated Prime Minister Scott Morrison was in the clear despite having been in close contact with Mr Dutton on March 10.

“I can assure you that Minister Dutton developed his symptoms yesterday morning (March 13), a long time after the Tuesday (March 10) cabinet meeting,” Prof Murphy said.

“Our case definition across the board is that you are only a close contact if you have been a close contact within 24 hours of someone becoming symptomatic or after they have become symptomatic.”

Protective face masks are handed out to all COVID-19 test applicants.

My employer, News Corp Australia, took the wise approach and recommended I self-isolate for two weeks regardless and I am happy to do so.

I am still symptom free and while my testing experience was somewhat fraught it is reassuring to know we have the facilities available should you meet the requirements.

“Currently, testing for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is only available for people who have a fever or respiratory symptoms and have travelled overseas in the past 14 days or have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19,” a Queensland Health spokesman said.

“Queensland Health is uniquely placed as a public pathology provider – it has two distinct analytical test platforms and assays.

“This ensures we are well prepared and well placed for all COVID-19 scenarios as demand increases for worldwide stocks.

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“Queensland Health has invested over $890,000 to purchase three new Hologic Panther Fusion Instruments to help meet the increasing demand for specialised COVID-19 testing.

“We are working to increase large scale capability on a third test platform for COVID-19 using this new fleet.”

Mr Dutton was contacted for comment.