UK business secy tests negative for COVID-19

The minister went into self-isolation after showing symptoms. The confirmation came amidst mounting concerns that Sharma could have passed on the virus after he shared a 45-minute meeting in person with Prime Minister Boris Johnson who was infected with COVID-19 in March.

London:UK's Indian-origin business secretary Alok Sharma tested negative for COVID-19 after fell ill in the House of Commons, the media reported.

The minister went into self-isolation on Wednesday after showing symptoms while in the chamber delivering the second reading of the Corporate Governance and Insolvency Bill, reports the Metro newspaper.

A spokeswoman for Sharma confirmed on Thursday evening that he was not infected and would be able to come out of self-isolation.

The business secretary later confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: "Huge thanks to everyone for their kind messages over the last 24 hours and my thanks also to the parliamentary authorities and Speaker for their support yesterday."

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The confirmation came amidst mounting concerns that Sharma could have passed on the virus after he shared a 45-minute meeting in person with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was infected with COVID-19 in March and Chancellor Rishi Sunak in Downing Street on Tuesday morning.

(IANS)