The United Kingdom's under-secretary of state for health Nadine Dorries has tested positive for coronavirus.
In the UK, an under-secretary is the most junior of the three types of government minister. Matt Hancock is the Secretary of State for Health, the top job.
Dorries, a Conservative Party MP, has been working within the British Parliament over the last week, as well as the Department of Health and Social Care. She also reportedly attended a meeting at Downing St with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last Thursday.
In a statement, the MP, who helped draft legislation in response to the virus outbreak, says she is in isolation and recovering. She first fell ill last Friday (local time).
"As soon as I was informed I took all the advised precautions and have been self-isolating at home," she said.
"Public Health England has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice."
After news broke of her diagnosis, Dorries shared her thanks for the 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."
Hancock tweeted that he was sorry to hear the news.
"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," Hancock tweeted.
"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."
There are 382 cases of the potentially deadly coronavirus in the United Kingdom, with six people having died of the illness. The first person to die from the virus in the UK was at Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Cases have surged within the last week as the Government released its plan to curb the spread. That includes possibly implementing measures like school closures, cancelling large gatherings and limiting the use of public transport. It said it may be necessary for police to concentrate on "serious crime" and "maintaining public order".
