Australia’s opposition candidate contracts Covid amid election campaign

Sydney, Australia, Apr 22 (EFE).- Australia’s main opposition candidate for the May 21 general election has contracted Covid-19, throwing his campaign into chaos.

Anthony Albanese, whose Labor Party currently has a slight advantage in the polls, reported his positive test result Thursday night.

“Following a routine PCR test this afternoon ahead of interstate travel to Western Australia, I have returned a positive result for Covid this evening,” Albanese tweeted.

“While at home I will continue my responsibilities as alternative Prime Minister and will be fighting for a better future for all Australians.”

He will now have to isolate for seven days and campaign from home, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is seeking re-election, continues to travel.

Morrison, who has already had Covid-19, tweeted that he wished Albanese “all the best for his recovery.”

“Everyone’s experience with COVID is different and as Labor’s campaign continues, I hope he does not experience any serious symptoms,” he added.

According to a Newspoll poll carried out between Apr. 14-17, Labor could take 53 percent of the vote, while the ruling coalition could take 47 percent, although a turnaround is not ruled out, as happened in 2019.

Looking ahead to the election, some 17.2 million of a total of more than 25 million Australian citizens have registered to vote, a figure that represents 96.8 percent of the eligible population. EFE

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