EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says he has tested positive for the coronavirus - CNBC

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MARCH 05: European Union Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier speaks during a conference after the first round of UK-EU negotiations in Brussels, Belgium on March 05, 2020.

Anadolu Agency

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, announced Thursday he has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The 69-year-old French civil servant has been in charge of all negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, after the latter requested to leave the political bloc in March 2017.

Barnier tweeted that he's "doing well and in good spirits."

"I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team. For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together," he added.

The European Commission was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.

Barnier had been leading the second phase of negotiations between the EU and the U.K. These started earlier this month, with the aim of putting together a trade deal before the end of the year.

Thursday's announcement will no doubt raise questions on the timetable for the negotiations, as U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed not to extend trade talks beyond 2020.

U.K. and EU negotiating teams were due to meet in London next week, but these talks have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020-03-19 11:22:52Z
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