‘Shouldn’t he be in isolation?’ Extraordinary moment NSW health minister walks away from a coronavirus press conference after suffering a COUGHING fit
- NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard suffered a coughing fit during a presser
- The health chief fronted reporters on Saturday to give an update on COVID-19
- He said AUSLAN interpreter for previous press conferences has confirmed case
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard was forced to walk away from a coronavirus press conference after suffering a coughing fit in front of reporters.
The health chief addressed the media in Sydney on Saturday regarding the latest number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
But just seconds into the live televised conference, Mr Hazzard struggled to get through his speech before bursting into a fit of coughs.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard was forced to walk away from a coronavirus press conference after suffering a coughing fit in front of reporters
The coughing fit sparked concern on social media with many people commenting the health minister did not sound well.
‘Has Brad Hazzard been tested? Not sounding too healthy on TV. After coughing twice, handed over the mic and you could hear him coughing up a lung in the background,’ one person said.
‘Brad Hazzard not instilling any confidence while coughing during his press conference,’ another said.
‘Coughing at a presser on live TV isn’t a good look while talking about coronavirus,’ a third added.
This comes just one day after Mr Hazzard, was photographed behind the New South Wales Chief of Health Kerry Chant ignoring their own best practice cough etiquette.
The Minister had just aired frustration about beachgoers ignoring directives around social distancing measures at Bondi Beach.
The coughing fit sparked concern on social media with many people commenting the health minister did not sound well
‘We are in different times. We need to behave in different ways’ Mr Hazzard said.
Minister Hazzard reinforced the need for New South Wales residents to keep strict social distancing measures before launching into an announcement about the further spread of COVID-19 via the Ruby Princess Cruise Ship’s arrival in Sydney.
‘It doesn’t matter where you are. Whether you’re on Bondi or whether you’re in a church- separate by 1.5 metres. Make sure you’re looking after yourself because not only are you looking after yourself, you’re looking after your family and your friends when you follow those very basic health directions,’ Mr Hazzard said.
One woman said the press conference did not instill her with any confidence
Mr Hazzard said that the AUSLAN interpreter has a case of coronavirus
The New South Wales health website includes information around the best practice cough etiquette.
‘When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.’
‘If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow,’ the advice reads.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted New South Wales health for comment.
The New South Wales health website includes information around the best practice cough etiquette