Heywood and Middleton MP self-isolating following Track and Trace app alert

Chris Clarkson MP

Heywood and Middleton MP, Chris Clarkson has been self-isolating since Saturday following an alert via the Government's Track and Trace app.

Mr Clarkson has been instructed to self-isolate after coming into contact with another person with coronavirus. He is currently showing no coronavirus symptoms and is isolating at his home. 

He has made the following statement: "In the early hours of Saturday 3 October 2020, I was contacted via the Government’s Track and Trace app which had detected that I have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus. So, in line with guidance I need to stay at home and self-isolate.

"I presently have no symptoms but in order to keep others safe and comply with the law, I will be respecting these instructions to their full extent and isolating in my home.

"Yesterday, during a constituency visit, and prior to being contacted by Track and Trace, I was temperature checked as part of a very comprehensive covid-safe process and showed no signs or symptoms.

"I will be using the proxy system to ensure that I can still cast my votes in Westminster so that people in Heywood and Middleton will remain represented during my isolation. Where possible I will use digital means to attend meetings, but some visits will have to be postponed.

"My offices in Westminster and the constituency are unaffected. As always, I am in regular contact with my team and will continue to be available, via them, to the people of Heywood and Middleton. Anyone with any issues can contact my office on 01706 538262 or by emailing me at chris.clarkson.mp@parliament.uk.

"If I can draw one positive from this situation it is that the Track and Trace app is clearly working and doing it’s job; identifying people with coronavirus and alerting their close contacts so that they can self-isolate, stop the spread of the virus and keep others safe.

"Please all stay safe.  We are all human, and we are all susceptible to this virus. I would encourage anyone who can to download the Track and Trace app so that you can keep yourself and others safe too."