Minister tests positive for coronavirus

Coronavirus

Spain’s equality minister has tested positive for coronavirus and has been quarantined with her deputy and Podemos leader, Pablo Iglesias.

A government statement on Thursday said all members of the cabinet would undergo tests and that the results would be published later in the day.

“The minister (Irene Montero) is in a good condition and second deputy prime minister Pablo Iglesias is also in quarantine due to the situation,” the statement read.

The announcement came two hours before the government was to convene a special cabinet meeting to discuss an emergency plan of action to respond to the coronavirus crisis.

The statement said the meeting would go ahead but would only include ministers whose presence is needed.

It also said all of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s upcoming appointments would be conducted by videoconference.

Spain has recorded over 2,000 infections and 48 deaths, with Madrid the worst-hit area accounting for more than half of the cases.