Coronavirus test for MP Terri Butler is negative, after she leaves Parliament for day
Brisbane MP Terri Butler has had a negative test for coronavirus.
She had been forced to leave Parliament House hours into the first sitting day in months, after being linked to a coronavirus contact tracing site. But on Monday night she revealed she'd got the all clear.
My covid test result has come back negative.
— Terri Butler MP (@terrimbutler) August 24, 2020
Thanks, everyone, for your kind wishes.
And extra special thanks to the medical scientists and their fellow pathology professionals who are working so hard to undertake tests and deliver results. #auspol
Earlier, the Labor politician tweeted that she was "one step removed" from someone who was at a site linked to the virus last week.
"To be cautious I have left the parliament and have had a COVID test. I'm self-isolating while I wait for the result," she said.
Hey all - I’ve learned that I’m one step removed from someone who was at a contact tracing site last week.
— Terri Butler MP (@terrimbutler) August 24, 2020
To be cautious I have left the parliament and have had a covid test.
I’m self-isolating while I wait for the result.
Politicians from Queensland were not required to isolate before coming to Canberra, but must quarantine for two weeks upon returning home.
Parliament House is on a heightened state of alert, as MPs from across the country converge for the first sitting day since June.
Building occupants have been asked to wear masks in common areas at the request of the acting chief medical officer.
Parliament House staff were handing out mask packs as people entered the building on Monday morning.
Packs of disposable masks on offer at the entrances to Parliament House this morning.
— Matthew Doran (@MattDoran91) August 23, 2020
Despite no active coronavirus cases in the ACT, the advice is masks should be worn in communal areas - given the fact pollies are coming in from all over the country @BreakfastNews#auspolpic.twitter.com/m7WHb4NvEc
Senators and Lower House MPs unable to attend parliament in person are able to participate for the first time via videolink from their electorate offices.
Many thanks to our Auspic colleagues for these images of today's #Senate proceedings. Earlier this morning the rules for remote participation were agreed to, and you can find them at item 5 on the Dynamic Red https://t.co/Wi8bN9E81Opic.twitter.com/6bqd9wSW0G
— Australian Senate (@AuSenate) August 24, 2020
Large television screens in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers show parliamentarians dialling in remotely.
Greens senator Larissa Waters made history by becoming the first senator to address the parliament by video on Monday morning.
Proud to be the first Senator speaking remotely as the chamber enters the 21st century. Would be great to continue that trend to modernity by seeing more women in Cabinet and a more representative parliament! Thanks to all parly staff who worked overtime on the tech. #auspolpic.twitter.com/XdrzEtmVIo
— Larissa Waters (@larissawaters) August 24, 2020
However members cannot vote if they are not physically present in Parliament.