Labor Leader Anthony Albanese tests positive to Covid-19

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese has tested positive to Covid-19.

The diagnosis will undoubtedly prove to be a major setback in just the second week on the campaign trail since Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the election on April 10.

Australians will head to the polls on May 21.

It is the first time Mr Albanese has contracted the virus. He will isolate at his Sydney home for seven days.

It comes less than 24 hours after he faced off against Mr Morrison at the first leaders' debate in Brisbane on Wednesday.

"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.

Mr Morrison has had Covid previously, catching the virus in early March.

Mr Albanese was due to campaign in WA but tested positive in a routine pre-travel PCR test.

"I am grateful to know that I will have access to the world's best health care if I need it, because of Medicare," he said.

It's expected Labor frontbenchers will have an increased role in the campaign during the week when the opposition leader will isolate.

Mr Albanese is also likely to conduct virtual press conferences should he still be feeling well.

Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen wished the Labor leader a speedy recovery.

"My advice is to rest up, because there is much work to do when you're out of isolation to win this election and then a huge amount of work to do to give Australia a government we can be proud of," he said on Twitter.

Albanese visited elderly people hours before diagnosis

On Thursday he visited a retirement village in Nowra where he spoke with elderly residents. He was pictured wearing a P95 mask during the visit.

With AAP

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