British health minister, Nadine Dorries, has tested positive for coronavirus, she said in a statement on Tuesday, raising concerns about whether senior government figures have been infected, reported NDTV.
“I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus… and have been self-isolating at home,” she said.
Ms. Dorries is the first British politician to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Times report, Dorries attended a reception with Prime Minister Johnson and met other MPs prior to her diagnosis.
“Public Health England has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice,” Dorries told the BBC.
In a tweet, she thanks her well-wisher, also worried about her 84-year-old mother who was staying with her and began to cough on Tuesday.
“Thanks for so many good wishes. It’s been pretty rubbish but I hope I’m over the worst of it now. More worried about my 84yo mum who is staying with me and began with the cough today. She is being tested tomorrow. Keep safe and keep washing those hands, everyone.”
Thanks for so many good wishes. It’s been pretty rubbish but I hope I’m over the worst of it now. More worried about my 84yo mum who is staying with me and began with the cough today. She is being tested tomorrow. Keep safe and keep washing those hands, everyone.
— Nadine Dorries ?? (@NadineDorries) March 10, 2020
The UK has confirmed more than 380 coronavirus infections and six people have died as of Tuesday, and expect the virus could “spread in a significant way.”
