Britain’s minister for patient safety, suicide prevention and mental health, Nadine Dorries has tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The 62-year-old is the first Member of Parliament to contract the lethal virus. She has represented Bedfordshire since 2005 in the parliament.
Dorries, who fell ill on Friday, said she has followed doctors’ advice and is in self-isolation since her positive diagnosis on Tuesday.
“I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus. As soon as I was informed I took all the advised precautions and have been self-isolating at home.
“Public Health England has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice.
“I would like to thank PHE and the wonderful NHS staff who have provided me with advice and support,” she said in a statement.
“Really sorry to hear Nadine has tested positive for coronavirus.
“She has done the right thing by self isolating at home,” Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a tweet.
“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 84-year-old 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,” Dorries later tweeted.
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