Parliament could SHUT over fears MPs could be coronavirus ‘superspreaders’

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PARLIAMENT could be shut down over fears politicians could become coronvirus super-spreaders.

Downing Street confirmed today there were plans being considered which would see the Houses of Parliament closed for a period.

Parliament could be shut down to help stop the spread of the virus

No10 said “discussions are taking place” over how to best protect MPs and staff working on the estate.

As MPs spend much of their time meeting members of the public, there are fears they could infect increased numbers of people in London and in their own constituencies.

The number of cases of the deadly bug has jumped to 85 this afternoon.

It comes after Boris Johnson was today urged to allow Parliament to stay open while reducing the risks of infection.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, MP Carol Monaghan said: “We are all becoming increasingly concerned about Covid-19, the coronarvirus.

“But, every week, 650 of us come here from every part of the UK, spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world.

“We then return to our constituencies, potentially becoming the very vectors that we’re trying to shut down.

“Parliament must stay open. But what plans does the Prime Minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure we do not become part of the problem?”

Boris said more news would be coming on Parliament’s action plans over the next few days.

He said the Health Secretary Matt Hancock would “say a little bit more in the next couple of days about what we’re going to do to delay the advance of coronavirus in Parliament”.

MPs could have to work from home to make sure they aren’t infected and unknowingly pass it on.

Boris announced today that Brits who have to claim Statutory Sick Pay will get cash from day one of self-isolation, rather than day four.

Most employers will pay sick pay but it will depend on contracts.

However, critics have demanded that more help be provided to the millions of workers on zero-hour contracts and the self-employed, who might not be eligible for it.