DUP MP Jim Shannon sat with Covid-19 positive SNP woman Margaret Ferrier during dinner

DUP MP for Strangford in Co Down Jim Shannon was seated at the same dining table as Margaret Ferrier on Monday evening, his party said, and is self-isolating.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Oct 2020, 14:57 BST

Updated 2nd Oct 2020, 15:01 BST

The room seating arrangements included proper social distancing measures, the statement added.

On Wednesday evening, the Speaker’s Office alerted Mr Shannon that he had been identified as a close contact of an individual who had tested positive for Covid-19.

The party statement added: “Upon receiving this news, Mr Shannon immediately self-isolated and on Thursday afternoon he received a negative Covid-19 test result.

“Mr Shannon sought and at all times has followed the advice of Public Health England and the House of Commons’ Covid-19 team in dealing with every element of this incident.

“As a precaution, Mr Shannon is self-isolating at home.”