Spanish emergency health chief Fernando Simon tests POSITIVE for Covid-19

Spain's emergency health chief Fernando Simon has tested positive for the Covid-19 infection. The 57-year-old began displaying symptoms on Sunday evening and underwent testing overnight.

The news was confirmed by deputy health emergency chief, Maria Jose Sierra, during the health ministry’s daily coronavirus press briefing on Monday.

Simon previously stepped back from his position on March 21, when he began showing symptoms such as a cough, only for a Covid-19 test to come back negative. He then reappeared at the daily press briefings and apologized for undergoing the test before many of his compatriots.

Spain has confirmed more than 85,000 cases resulting in 7,340 deaths so far, making it the second-worst outbreak in Europe, behind Italy.

Simon is likely not the only high profile medical doctor to contract the illness, as England’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, is currently self-isolating after experiencing symptoms in line with those of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson remains in self-isolation after testing positive for the virus. Other high-profile confirmed cases include UK Health Minister Matt Hancock and his Iranian counterpart, Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi. Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, also tested positive for the disease.

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