Coronavirus: Cabinet minister self-isolates after contact with MP who has COVID-19
They are withdrawing from regular duties while waiting for the results of a test after contact with Nadine Dorries.
Thursday 12 March 2020 06:13, UK
An unnamed cabinet minister has self-isolated after coming into contact with the first MP to test positive for coronavirus.
They have withdrawn from their regular duties while waiting for the results of a test to see if they too have COVID-19.
It is understood they came into contact with Nadine Dorries - the public health minister who revealed she has the virus - at a 10 Downing Street reception to celebrate International Women's Day on Thursday.
Another health minister, Edward Argar, and Labour MP Rachael Maskell have also gone into self-isolation.
So far eight people in the UK who contracted coronavirus have died.
Questions have been raised over whether parliament will be shut given Ms Dorries' diagnosis, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed it will stay open.
He admitted the Commons "may have to function differently" but insisted MPs' ability to create new laws to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was "vital".
"Our democracy is the foundation of our way of life," he said in a statement.
Some staffers remain unhappy, with one telling Paste BN the general mood is of "frustration" and it "doesn't look like anyone is taking any leadership in the Commons".
The Liberal Democrats have also cancelled their annual spring conference.
Mark Rack, the party's president, said the move was taken given "consideration of the latest health advice".
He added: "We very much want to avoid a situation where people feel unable to particulate in our democratic decision-making because of fears over their health."
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