Nadine Dorries diagnosed with coronavirus

Nadine Dorries, a health minister, has become the first MP to be diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK, it has been reported.

The MP for Mid Bedfordshire fell ill on Friday, but it is not yet known how she contracted the virus.

“I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus. As soon as I was informed I took all advised precautions and have been self isolating at home,” Dorries said in a statement.

“Public Health England 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.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “really sorry” to hear she had contracted the virus.

“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,” he added.

The identity of the person who infected Ms Dorries is not known but the health minister has been in parliament and the Department of Health and Social Care during the past week.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has risen to 383, as nine more people tested positive in Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, confirmed on Tuesday night. Six people have now died.

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