Four Nationals MPs in isolation after visiting Covid exposure site

Four NSW Nationals MPs were potentially exposed to Covid in Sydney on Monday night while attending a ‘factional’ gathering.

NSW Nationals MP Trevor Khan. Picture: NCA NewsWire/James Gourley

Four NSW Nationals MPs have gone into isolation after being potentially exposed to COVID-19 in Sydney on Monday night.

The MPs – Trevor Khan, Steph Cooke, Adam Marshall and Ben Franklin – were gathered for a dinner at Christos Five Ways Pizzeria in Paddington, which was described to The Australian by an official with knowledge of the matter as a “factional” gathering.

Comment has been sought from the MPs. Mr Franklin confirmed he was currently in quarantine, but disputed the description of the dinner as a “factional” gathering.

“We’re all just mates,” he told The Australian. “We shall wait for the (COVID-19) results and follow the health advice.”

The incident has prompted a ramp up of health measures across NSW parliament, with departmental staff issuing an email on Monday saying there would be increased cleaning activity and a “more cautious” Covid setting across the building.

“This morning we have been informed that several individuals who were at Parliament House yesterday are getting Covid tests after visiting a potential exposure site,” the email, obtained by The Australian, said.

“While not mandatory, Members and staff moving around the building, in particular in the public areas, may wish to consider wearing masks. This could include in the Chambers.”