European Union chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, said on Thursday he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The French civil servant head all the negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, after the latter requested to leave the political bloc.
Barnier, 69, said Thursday morning on Twitter that he was “doing well and in good spirits.”
“I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together,” he added.
Barnier had been leading the second phase of negotiations between the EU and the U.K. These started earlier this month with the aim of putting together a trade deal before the end of the year.
I would like to inform you that I have tested positive for #COVID19. I am doing well and in good spirits. I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team.
For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together.
— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) March 19, 2020
