UK health department minister tests positive for COVID-19

Published on March 11, 2020November 1, 2023 Authored by C to I News Desk

Conservative British MP Nadine Dorries has become the first British politician to test positive for COVID-19. Photo courtesy: Instagram/nadinedorries

A minister in the health department of the United Kingdom has tested positive for COVID-19. British MP Nadine Dorries said in a statement on Tuesday, “I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus… and have been self-isolating at home.”

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.
— Rt Hon Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) March 10, 2020

This has raised concerns about whether other senior government figures have been exposed to the virus with health officials now trying to trace where she contracted the virus and who she has been in contact with.

According to The Times, Dorries had been in touch with hundreds of people, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

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

The Conservative MP was amongst those who helped craft the legislation to fight the COVID-19 outbreak and is the first British politician to be diagnosed with the virus.

Six people have died in Britain from the virus, with over 370 confirmed cases in the country.