Victorian MPs must isolate before parliament resumes
Victorian MPs and senators will be forced to isolate in Canberra for two weeks before federal parliament returns on August 24.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said travelling Victorian politicians posed a significant risk to the local community.
“It also presents a significant risk for members and senators and their staff from other jurisdictions, with the possibility of seeding into other jurisdictions,” he wrote to the prime minister on Thursday.
“It also presents a risk to those who are themselves vulnerable, those at increased risk if infected with COVID-19.”
To reduce this risk, Professor Kelly says Victorians should apply for an exemption to travel to the ACT, and then follow a strict 14-day period of quarantine.
He says the quarantine period could also occur in Victoria as long as strict conditions are adhered to, including having a coronavirus test on day 12 and awaiting the result before ending isolation.
Professor Kelly said MPs and senators must be informed by this Saturday, so they have enough time to quarantine.