POLITICIANS and community leaders in North Queensland are being tested for coronavirus or self-isolating after coming in contact with Senator Susan McDonald.
Ms McDonald announced on Monday that she had tested positive for the virus and was being treated at Townsville University Hospital.
The 50-year-old Townsville based politician had attended numerous events in the north last week, including the North Queensland Agribusiness Futures Forum in Townsville on Thursday, which attracted high-profile community leaders from across the region.
Hinchinbook MP Nick Dametto attended the conference and said he was in close contact with Ms McDonald.
Mr Dametto, who is in Brisbane for state parliament this week, said he had come down with a light cold and had been tested for the virus.
"Last Thursday, I attended the North Queensland Agribusiness Futures Forum in Townsville," Mr Dametto said.
"Upon learning of Senator Susan McDonald's positive test for Covid-19, as a precautionary measure, I have been tested early this morning and have been self-isolating since learning of the situation after displaying mild, cold-like symptoms.
"I am currently in Brisbane awaiting the results, which may take between 24 to 48 hours.
"I will keep everyone informed of my results and will continue to follow all medical advice."
Mr Dametto's colleague, KAP leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter, today asked to be excused from parliament to return home to Mount Isa to reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus, and to be with his pregnant wife Daisy.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O'Callaghan has also been tested for the virus and was awaiting results.
"Upon learning of Senator Susan McDonald testing positive for Covid-19, as a precautionary measure, I was immediately assessed and tested despite not displaying any symptoms," Ms O'Callaghan said.
"The Senator and I spent time together last Thursday morning and it was important I take this action.
"Two other Townsville Enterprise staff, who were also in direct contact with Senator Susan McDonald, have also been assessed, tested and have now self-isolated despite no symptoms.
"Whilst we await our results, we will remain in isolation and will follow all the relevant guidelines."
Charters Towers Mayor Liz Schmidt and Deputy Mayor Sonia Bennetto have also self-isolated after coming in contact with Ms McDonald last week.
Cr Schmidt said neither she or Cr Bennetto had displayed any symptoms, and it was unlikely either had been contagious even if they displayed symptoms in coming days.
However, Cr Schmidt said to be cautious, she would be working from home until March 25.
Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor Andrew Cripps is also self isolating after having contact with Ms McDonald at the Townsville forum on Thursday.
Cr Cripps said he had attended Ingham Hospital and was advised that testing was not necessary as he had no signs of illness. They told him to stay at home for 14 days from when he came into contact with Ms McDonald.
JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding has gone into self-quarantine after learning of Ms McDonald's positive diagnosis.
She met with Ms McDonald on the afternoon of Friday, March 13.
Prof Harding has been advised by Queensland Health that she should remain in quarantine for 14 days.
She has also been advised that she doesn't need to be tested for Covid-19 at this time, as she is well and is not presenting any symptoms associated with the virus.
Prof Harding will continue her role as vice chancellor, working from home.
Ms McDonald began to feel unwell on Friday night and went to hospital where she was tested for the virus.
"On Friday evening I began feeling unwell with a sore throat and a mild temperature, so I went to the Townsville Base Hospital Emergency Department to be tested for coronavirus before returning home, where I had been in self-isolation since that time," Ms McDonald said.
Ms McDonald said she was informed of the positive diagnosis on Monday and has since been admitted to hospital.
"Unfortunately, the test has come back positive and I have now been admitted to hospital, where I will remain under the direction of Queensland Health," Ms McDonald said.
Ms McDonald is the third North Queenslander to be diagnosed with the virus, following a 69-year-old man who flew to Townsville from France last week. A worker at Cannington Mine also tested positive to coronavirus while off site at the weekend.
