Ipswich MP Tom Hunt to self-isolate after member of his team tests positive

A Suffolk MP is self-isolating after a member of his parliamentary staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Tom Hunt, who represents Ipswich , is now in quarantine until October 14 but said he could still work from home and represent the town in the House of Commons virtually.

Mr Hunt, who has no symptoms, said it was frustrating to be placed into self-isolation but it was to help protect the vulnerable and stop the spread of Covid-19.

"I woke up this morning and got a message which said they had tested positive and then about 10 minutes later got a text from NHS Test and Trace informing me I was in contact and had to self-isolate," he told Suffolk News.

He must now stay inside for the next 11 days, because he was last near the person who tested positive on Wednesday.

"The small benefit is it's not quite 14 days, but it's still a long period of time," said Mr Hunt. "But it is what it is and ultimately its in place to try control the spread of the virus and protect the vulnerable."

Mr Hunt, who won his seat last year with a majority of nearly 5,500 votes, said the member of his team took the "right and responsible" decision to take the test.

As well as continuing to work from home, Mr Hunt will be arranging for a proxy vote in his absence from the Commons, and hoped to return to Parliament with a "burst of energy".

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