UK health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive to coronavirus

London : British MP Nadine Dorries, a minister in the health department, has been tested positive to the coronavirus, she said in a statement released on Tuesday. This has raised concerns that other high designation officials may be under the threat too.

"I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus... and have been self-isolating at home," said the Conservative MP.

Health officials are now trying to figure out the time duration when she could have got exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

Six people have died in Britain from the virus, with more than 370 confirmed cases.

Dorris happens to be the first British politician who has been diagnosed positive to the coronavirus. Interestingly, she was a part of team who designed ways to fight the deadly virus.

The Times reported that she had been in touch with hundreds of people, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

She fell unwell on Friday while signing the document that declared coronavirus a notifiable disease, meaning companies could obtain insurance cover, said the paper, adding she was now believed to be on the road to recovery.

"I would like to thank... the wonderful NHS staff who have provided me with advice and support," she said, referring to Britain's National Health Service.

Her boss Matt Hancock, who is leading Britain's response, tweeted that he was "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," he added. PHE refers to Public Health England.

"We will do all we can to keep people safe, based on the best possible science."