Coronavirus Australia: Federal Treasurer Gets Tested For COVID-19 After Coughing Fit At Parliament

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has tested negative for COVID-19 following an alarming coughing fit during a parliament address.

Frydenberg was delivering an economic address on Tuesday when he began coughing uncontrollably, making it hard for him to finish his speech. Video footage of the treasurer showed him stopping several times to drink water and catch his breath.

"I'm lucky I have some water," he said. "Too long of a speech.”

Following the incident, Frydenberg entered self-isolation as a precautionary measure while he awaited the results of his coronavirus test.

"Today while delivering my ministerial statement I had a dry mouth and a cough," said Frydenberg, 9News reported.

"After question time I sought the advice of Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO). The DCMO advised me that out of an abundance of caution it was prudent I be tested for COVID-19.”

On Wednesday, he confirmed on his Twitter account that he is COVID-19 free.

“Yesterday I was tested for COVID-19 out of an abundance of caution on the advice of the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. This morning I received the result of the test which was negative,” he tweeted.

During his Tuesday speech, Frydenberg noted that the coronavirus relief packages provided to Australians will take years to pay off. He also noted unemployment will reach 10% in June.

"Australians know there is no money tree," he explained. "What we borrow today, we must repay in the future."

He did, however, commended the country’s coronavirus response, saying the measures “are working, protecting lives and livelihoods.”

“The fighting Australian spirit will see us get through this and be stronger than ever,” he added.

So far, Australia has successfully controlled the spread of coronavirus in the country. As for May 13, there are only 6,980 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 98 deaths.