A HEALTH minister has apologised for continuing with a face-to-face meeting despite being told she had tested positive for Covid-19.

Gillian Keegan said she was told her test was positive while meeting three men who had lost their daughters to suicide.

The Chichester MP said she should have “immediately” ended the meeting, and described not doing so as a “mistake” and “an error of judgment”.

Ms Keegan said she had told the men the result of the test but stayed on to hear their stories while taking “further precautions”.

On Tuesday night, Ms Keegan said: “Earlier today, ahead of a planned visit I took a precutionary (sic) LFD test which gave a positive result. I am now isolating at home and fortunately feel fine.

“When I was told my test was positive, I was listening to three fathers who had tragically lost their daughters to suicide.

“I told them the result and took further precautions but with their consent, I stayed for a short period to hear their stories.

“I should have immediately ended the meeting and on reflection this was an error of judgment on my part.

“I fully recognise the importance of following the letter and spirit of the policies, so want to be upfront about what happened and to apologise for the mistake I made.”

The NHS website encourages people to do rapid lateral flow tests on days they are more likely to catch or spread the virus – for example when mixing with people in crowded indoor places.

In the event of a positive test result, the NHS website says: “You must self-isolate immediately.”

Ms Keegan was meeting Mike Palmer from Greater Manchester, Andy Airey from Cumbria, and Tim Owen from Norfolk.

The trio, known as Three Dads Walking, have raised more than £800,000 for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus.

Mr Palmer, who lost his 17-year-old daughter Beth to suicide in March 2020, said that Ms Keegan had “acted accordingly”.

He said Ms Keegan put a mask on, put further distance between herself and the men, and “made arrangements to leave as fast as possible”.

Mr Palmer said: “She doesn’t need to apologise to us in any way, shape or form. Absolutely not.”

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