The Chief Brexit Negotiator for the EU, Michel Barnier, on Thursday confirmed on social media that he has tested positive for Covid-19.
Barnier is the lead on the next phase of negotiations on the EU’s future trading relationship with the UK through the ongoing Brexit transition period after it left the economic bloc at the end of January.
He had some of his officials in London for talks just last week, which could trigger concerns within Westminster of the further spread of coronavirus within UK government quarters. “I would like to inform you that I have tested positive (for) Covid-19. I’m fine, morale is good. I naturally follow all the instructions, just like my team,” Barnier said in a video message.
“For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together,” said the 69-year-old former French foreign affairs minister.
Both Belgium, where the European Commission is based, and Barnier’s native France have implemented strict social distancing measures. Coronavirus has now infected more than 200,000 people and killed more than 8,000 globally, with over 83,000 people having recovered from the infection, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
