Nadine Dorries says she has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating.
The conservative MP and junior health minister, confirmed the news tonight.
The 62-year-old is the first MP to have contracted the virus, which has infected more than 118,000 people worldwide.
The Times reports that Ms Dorries has mixed with hundreds of people at Parliament in the last week — and attended an event at No.10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
In a statement, Ms Dorries said: “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 (PHE) 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.”
Writing on Twitter, Minister for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said: “Really sorry to hear Nadine has tested positive for coronavirus.
1/2: Really sorry to hear Nadine has tested positive for coronavirus. She has done the right thing by self isolating at home, and both NHS and PHE staff have been brilliant. We all wish her well as she recovers.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 10, 2020
“She has done the right thing by self isolating at home, and both NHS and PHE staff have been brilliant. We all wish her well as she recovers.
“I understand why people are worried about this disease. We will do all we can to keep people safe, based on the best possible science.”
