Labor leader Anthony Albanese tests positive for COVID-19

Labor leader Anthony Albanese will be forced to isolate at home for the next week of the election campaign after testing positive to COVID-19.

In a statement, Mr Albanese said he returned a positive result during a routine PCR test ahead of his trip to Western Australia.

He will now isolate at home in Sydney for the next seven days.

Mr Albanese said he would continue his responsibilities at home and was feeling well so far.

Mr Albanese spent Thursday campaigning in the seat of Gilmore, on the NSW south coast, after taking part in a leaders’ debate in Brisbane last night.

A man wearing a mask sits at a table with elderly women. — Anthony Albanese visited an aged care facility in southern NSW in the hours before his positive COVID result.(ABC News: Adam Kennedy)

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

“I am grateful to know that I will have access to the world’s best health care if I need it, because of Medicare.

The federal election is on May 21.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who shared a stage with Mr Albanese at Wednesday night’s leaders’ debate, has already had COVID-19, having tested positive in early March.

Mr Morrison will continue to campaign across the country.