A staffer to Greens leader Adam Bandt has tested positive to COVID-19 after spending sitting week in Canberra, with authorities working to determine if they were infectious during this time.
It was a busy week at Parliament House, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Labor leader Anthony Albanese and many other cabinet and shadow cabinet ministers in the building.
The news has also caused Parliament House to close to visitors only hours after reopening.
Members of Mr Bandt's team have so far returned negative results, a spokesperson for the Greens leader said in a statement on Saturday night.
A statement on Sunday said Mr Bandt had also tested negative.
"Aside from the staff member who has tested positive, the test results that have been returned for staff members who were in Canberra last week are also negative," said the spokesperson on Sunday.
The staffer, who tested positive after returning to their home state of Victoria, was fully vaccinated.
A staffer to Greens leader Adam Bandt has tested positive to COVID-19 after the final sitting week of the year. Source: AAP
The staffer was working with ACT Health to determine whether they were infectious while in Canberra, the spokesperson for Mr Bandt said on Saturday.
An earlier statement from the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) said ACT Health was working to identify close contacts and exposure locations.
“The Presiding Officers have been briefed by ACT Health and the Commonwealth Deputy Chief Medical Officer. ACT Health are working to identify possible close contacts, and exposure locations at Parliament House and elsewhere in the ACT between 30 November and 2 December 2021," the statement said.
DPS advises people who may have been infected to keep an eye on exposure locations as they are updated and to be vigilant for any COVID-19 symptoms and get tested, even if only mild symptoms appear.
The statement said close contacts will be contacted.
Parliament House has followed strict COVID protocols during recent sitting weeks. Non-essential visitors are banned from the building and masks must be worn in corridors and common areas.
On Sunday it reintroduced health and safety measures until further notice for staff still working in the building. Only those unable to work remotely will be permitted to enter, with face masks to once again become mandatory.
