A LABOUR MP has cancelled meetings and advice surgeries after coming into contact with a suspected coronavirus case. 

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, representative for Brighton Kemptown, said the "social distancing" measures would last until the weekend. 

This comes after health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive for the virus, called COVID-19, leading Public Health England (PHE) to instruct others to self isolate. 

They include Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who attended a MoreThanAScore Westminster assessment briefing on Tuesday with Mr Russell-Moyle.

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Mr Russell-Moyle said: "Rachel has not yet tested positive, but we have cancelled meetings and advice surgeries in 'social distancing' today, tomorrow and over the weekend until we get more information."

Social distancing is the act of limiting contact with others to stop or slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease.

Speaking this morning, Ms Maskell, MP for York Central, said: "Public Health England confirmed last night that I am to self-isolate until March 19 providing I remain asymptomatic. 

"I have a stack of work to be getting on with and have moved my meetings to skype and the phone. Lots to be getting on with."

Mr Russell-Moyle added that he believes the Government will move into the "delay" phase later on today following an emergency meeting being held this afternoon.

This means the Government will start switching to tactics aimed at delaying its spread, rather than containing it. 

Delay is where the "social distancing" measures will be considered - which could include restrictions on public gatherings and people being told to work from home.

As of 9am yesterday morning, there were 456 people who have tested positive for the virus.  

Eight people have died of the disease.