Greater Manchester MP Yasmin Qureshi has been admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
The Labour shadow minister, who represents Bolton South East in parliament, showed symptoms two weeks ago and was self-isolating but was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia on Saturday.
In a statement, she said: “Two weeks ago, I began to feel unwell. I then tested positive for COVID-19, so my family and I immediately self-isolated at home. I have not travelled to Westminster or anywhere else.
“I continued to work as best I could remotely, attending virtual meetings and doing casework, but after 10 days, I began to feel much worse and on Saturday I was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia.
“I’m being very well looked after and have nothing but praise and admiration for the wonderful staff at the hospital.
They have been amazing throughout the process and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone working here in such difficult circumstances.”
It comes as a stand-off remains between local leaders in the area and the government about putting Greater Manchester into Tier 3 – England’s highest coronavirus alert level.
The move is being resisted by figures like Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who say ministers need to also offer more financial support for workers and businesses who would be hit by the new restrictions.
But Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said a deal needed to be reached by the end of Tuesday or the measures may have to be imposed “to protect the NHS and bear down on the virus”.
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