A British health minister has tested positive for coronavirus, raising fears about the potential spread of the illness through Boris Johnson’s government as Europe tackles the spread of COVID-19, EDNews reports citing Euronews.
Nadine Dorries is the first member of parliament to be diagnosed, days after meeting the prime minister, his pregnant fiancee and dozens of other senior figures at a Downing Street reception.
Her colleague Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, arrived in 10 Downing Street for a cabinet meeting on Wednesday but didn't respond when asked if he’ll be tested for coronavirus.
Separately, the Bank of England announced a 0.5% cut in the base interest rate in a bid to mitigate the economic impact of the virus.
It came as Turkey announced its first case, and follows the announcement that 168 more people have died in Italy.
Austria has shut its borders to anyone arriving from Italy unless they are certified free of COVID-19.
The move underscores the different approaches taken by EU members to preventing the spread of the disease.
COVID-19 has so far infected 113,255 and killed 3,964. More than 62,000 have recovered.