Six MPs have now self-isolated amidst fears of a coronavirus outbreak in the Houses of Parliament.

It comes the day after Nadine Dorries tested positive for the disease and Shadow Employment Rights Minister Rachel Maskell was told to self-isolate.

An unnamed cabinet minister, aside from Ms Dorries, has self-isolated.

The Cabinet minister was tested for the virus on Wednesday and will receive the results of the test this morning, sources said.

Edward Argar, a second health minister, also stayed at home after dining with Ms Dorries in Parliament on Thursday last week.

He was later seen coughing at the dispatch box in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

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The identities of the other two MPs in self-isolation is not yet known.

Today Ms Dorries has praised Public Health England for their response after she was diagnosed with coronavirus.

She tweeted: "@PHE-uk contact tracers have been amazing today. The community testing nurses who are right on the front line, heroes. So kind with mum.

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"Just for clarity, on Thursday I felt weak and tired but didn't start with the first symptoms (cough) until 10.45am Friday morning".

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said ministers would not need to undergo testing as Public Health England (PHE) worked to advise those who have been in close contact with Ms Dorries.

Downing Street sources said Boris Johnson has no symptoms of coronavirus “so there is no need for a test”.

It’s understood the Prime Minister was not in “close contact” with Ms Dorries – defined as being within two metres of her.

For those who did have contact with Ms Dorries, Public Health England are tracing those she had contacted with. Only those contacted by PHE should take action.

It comes despite Number 10 is reportedly contacting guests at an International Womens Day reception attended by both Ms Dorries and Mr Johnson on Thursday.

Earlier today Rishi Sunak announced a £30 billion spending package to support the economy in the wake of the coronavirus.

In his first Budget, the Chancellor turned on the spending taps as he acknowledged that "for a period it's going to be tough" with up to a fifth of people off work, supply chains disrupted and consumer spending decreasing.

The Chancellor said there was "likely to be a temporary disruption" to the economy but insisted his plans would bring "stability and security".

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