Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has been tested for COVID-19 and is in self-isolation after having a coughing fit in parliament.
Treasurer @JoshFrydenberg is spending what was meant to be Budget Night in self-isolation awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. Having last year claimed the budget "was back in the black" he is now set to deliver the biggest deficit in Australia's history. #auspol @SBSNews pic.twitter.com/zEuaZUyRkP
— Brett Mason (@BrettMasonNews) May 12, 2020
In a socially distanced parliament on Tuesday, Mr Frydenberg struggled to suppress a coughing fit as he discussed data revealing the economic effects of the coronavirus.
“Today while delivering my ministerial statement I had a dry mouth and cough,” Mr Frydenberg said in a statement issued a few hours after the incident.
“The Deputy Chief Medical Officer advised me that out of an abundance of caution it was prudent I be tested for COVID-19.”
Mr Frydenberg said he would await the test results, expected tomorrow, in isolation.
While delivering the economic update which revealed coronavirus would wipe the equivalent of $50 billion from the economy, Mr Frydenberg was forced to stop for about three minutes as he coughed and lost his voice.
He coughed into his hand several times before touching his face and the despatch box, going against medical advice to cough and sneeze into your elbow to limit the spread of germs.
After delivering his address, Mr Frydenberg remained in the House of Representatives chamber for Question Time.
Several federal politicians have already returned positive COVID-19 tests, including Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick.sbs