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BREXIT BLOW

Britain’s Brexit negotiator self isolating after showing symptoms of coronavirus

BRITAIN'S Brexit negotiator David Frost has been forced to self-isolate after showing symptoms of coronavirus.

The deadly virus has wreaked havoc on both sides of the trade talks, after EU negotiator Michel Barnier tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.

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 David Frost said Boris Johnson’s stand 'isn’t a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure'
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David Frost said Boris Johnson’s stand 'isn’t a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure'Credit: Reuters

Mr Frost is following government advice and isolating himself after displaying symptoms for the virus, according to

His isolation follows swiftly on from Mr Barnier's twitter announcement on Thursday afternoon that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

The two Brexit negotiators have not seen each other since the last round of trade talks two weeks ago.

Another round of talks were scheduled to take place in London this week but were quickly postponed after COVID-19 tightened its grip on Britain and Europe.

The number of confirmed cases in the UK skyrocketed yesterday for 3,983 with 144 deaths.

Europe closed down the borders of the previously pass-port free Schengen Area to bar entry to international travellers.

The death toll in Europe has surpassed Asia.

It comes as:

Boris Johnson has refused to extend the transition period even in light of growing crisis.

He said earlier this week that the end of the transition period was "enshrined in law" and he would not consider changing it.

The UK formally left the EU on January 31 but will continue to follow the bloc's rules until December 31. 

Both sides have said that talks will continue through other ways, including video conference, to keep steam behind the crucial discussions.

 Michel Barnier has been diagnosed with coronavirus
 Michel Barnier has been diagnosed with coronavirusCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Italy has been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic in Europe
Italy has been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic in EuropeCredit: AFP
 Chaos at European airports after travel ban imposed
Chaos at European airports after travel ban imposedCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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Italy passes China’s coronavirus death toll as killer virus grips Europe

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