EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič have become the latest members of the European Commission to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus.
“I was informed this afternoon that a member of the delegation travelling with me and @JanezLenarcic to Ethiopia last week has tested positive for coronavirus,” Borrell tweeted Tuesday night. “I tested negative upon my return on Sunday. I am self-isolating in accordance with rules and will wait to do second test.”
About 15 minutes later, Lenarčič tweeted: “Today I was informed that a member of my team, who was not on a mission to Ethiopia end of last week, has tested #COVID19 positive. In line with public health protocols I am self-isolating and working from home pending the 2nd test. I have no symptoms and feel well.”
A Commission spokesperson said: “To clarify: a member of delegation travelling to Ethiopia with HRVP and Commissioner has tested positive Tuesday for coronavirus. A member of @JanezLenarcic team in Brussels also tested positive Tuesday. Two distinct cases but same crucial precautions: self-isolation and tests.”
The increasing number of senior EU figures who have come into contact with people who tested positive for the coronavirus, along with the confirmation over the weekend that Commissioner Mariya Gabriel had caught the virus, have raised questions about commissioners’ travel amid rising infection rates across the Continent.
Multiple members of the Commission have had to self-isolate, including President Ursula von der Leyen, enlargement chief Oliver Varhelyi, Executive Vice Presidents Frans Timmermans and Valdis Dombrovskis and Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, as well as European Council President Charles Michel.
In response, the Commission on Sunday announced it would tighten rules for senior staff.
This article has been updated.