But Mr Albanese has not caught coronavirus,and with the election due to be called in a matter of days,the opposition leader will hit the campaign trail – where he is likely to meet scores of voters every day – at risk of contracting the virus.
Last week,manager of opposition business Tony Burke returned a positive result and went into isolation. Mr Burke works closely with the opposition leader on a range of matters,including parliamentary tactics,and the pair had spent considerable time together.
A day later,Mr Albanese’s chief advancer tested positive for the virus too. That’s despite the opposition going to much greater lengths,such as regular tests and mask wearing,than the government to protect the leader,and themselves.
Labor staff were even told to not go out to pubs or bars after the opposition leader’s budget reply speech on Thursday night,to lessen the chance of people picking up an infection.
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If,or when,Mr Albanese contracts the virus he will have to enter a week of isolation and stop campaigning when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Labor has already issued strict protocols for journalists who will join him on the trail:to get on board the Albo bus,you have to be triple vaccinated,wear an N95 mask in most settings and take a rapid test every three days. Anyone who tests positive is off the bus. The rules for the Morrison bus are less strict – essentially,it’s follow the rules of the state or territory you’re in.