Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tests positive for Covid

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tested positive for Covid-19 — along with NSW Labor leader Chris Minns — who are both now isolating for seven days.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing “flu-like symptoms,” but will continue to work from isolation.

Mr Morrison joins NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns has also tested positive to Covid-19 days after his eldest son caught the virus on Sunday.

Mr Morrison released a statement late on Tuesday night confirming he had contracted the virus and would be “recovering over the next week”.

“I had tested myself daily since Sunday, including this morning, with all tests returning a negative result,” he said.

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

Prime Minister Scott Morrison tested positive for Covid after giving a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison said the further test was “inconclusive,” so he took a PCR test which returned a positive result late on Tuesday.

“I am continuing to follow health guidelines and am isolating at home in Sydney,” he said.

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

After the Prime Minister made the official confirmation that he had contracted Covid on his Facebook page, fellow liberal party members jumped in the comment to give ‘get well’ wishes.

Deputy Leader Josh Frydenberg kept his wishes brief, saying, “Rest up, PM!” among thousands of others in the comment thread.

Victorian Senator Jane Hume, who is the Minister Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, and Queensland MP Philip Thompson OAM similarly wrote “get well soon PM”.

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns has also contracted Covid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

Another female colleague MP Gladys Lui told the PM to “rest well”, and said “hope your Covid is mild like mine”.

Mr Morrison said he would continue his responsibilities as Prime Minister, including virtually chairing meetings of the National Security and Expenditure Review Committees of Cabinet while in isolation.

“(The government will be) focusing on our emergency response to the devastating floods in Queensland and NSW, and ensuring we stand with each and every one of the affected communities both now and as the waters eventually recede,” he said.

“I will also be focused on our urgent response to the tragedy unfolding in the Ukrainian 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.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was scheduled to appear at a solidarity for Ukraine event in Sydney on Tuesday night but cancelled. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

It comes as Mr Minns shared his positive rapid antigen test result on his Twitter account.

He had been isolating as a close contact since Sunday.

“Looks like I’ll be stuck inside for now. But for anyone leaving the house, please make sure to stay safe. Don’t walk or drive through flood water,” he said.

Mr Morrison had been due to attend the Sydney Opera House with Premier Dominic Perrottet on Tuesday night when the building was lit up in the blue and yellow of Ukraine’s flag, but pulled out of the event at the last minute.

Earlier in the day Mr Morrison had said the illumination was “intended to send a very strong message from one of the world’s most iconic buildings that Australia stands with Ukraine”.

His only public appearance that day was a press conference held outdoors at Parliament House in Canberra.

It is not yet known if any of Mr Morrison’s staff or government colleagues are required to isolate as only household members or people who interacted closely with a Covid-19 positive person for a long period of time are considered close contacts under current Covid-19 rules.