First British MP To Test Positive For Coronavirus Sparks Fears For Boris Johnson

Nadine Dorries, the health minister who played a major role in drawing up plans in dealing with coronavirus in the nation, has tested positive for coronavirus. Her diagnosis is sparking fears about the health of Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Dorries attended last week, an event hosted by the PM at No. 10.

Reports say that Ms. Dorries fell ill on Thursday, and during the weekend, the classic symptoms of COVID-19 appeared. The health minister has gone on self-isolation. The Mid Bedfordshire MP, however, revealed she is more worried about her elderly mother, who is said to be staying with her. The mother of Ms. Dorries is set to be tested on Wednesday.

British officials have started contact tracing, a process of finding out who had various forms of interaction with Ms. Dorries, ever since her symptoms appeared. Officials at Number 10 did not provide any answers as to whether the PM had also undergone testing for the deadly virus or whether he is set to be tested.

The diagnosis of the Tory MP comes as the Department of Health and Social Care revealed that there are now 373 people who have tested positive for the virus. It was also reported on Tuesday, March 10, that already six patients have died from complications caused by the virus.

In a statement, Nadine Dorries confirmed she has tested positive for coronavirus and that as soon as she was informed, she immediately went on self-isolation at her home. Ms. Dorries also said that Public Health England had begun the process of a detailed contact tracing. She also revealed that her department and parliamentary office are both closely following the advice being given by PHE.

The Tory MP then expressed her gratitude to the PHE and the staff of the National Health Service, who provided her with advice and all the support she needed. She posted later on Twitter her appreciation for the well-wishers and expressed hope that she is over the worst of the infection now.

Ms. Dorries also expressed her concern about her 84-year-old mother, who is currently staying with her. The Tory MP said her mother has started coughing today and is set to be tested tomorrow. In parting, Ms. Dorries advised everyone to stay safe and to keep on washing their hands.

Matt Hancock, the UK Health Secretary, said he is sad to hear Ms. Dorries being tested positive for the deadly virus. He said that the Tory MP did the right thing by self-isolating at her home. Hancock also praised the staff of both PHE and NHS for being brilliant. Health Secretary Hancock also wished Ms. Dorries well and hoped that she recovers soon.