An Italian regional minister has tested positive for coronavirus.

Alessandro Mattinzoli, the regional minister for sustainable development in Lombardy, the Italian region most affected by the coronavirus outbreak tested positive for the virus today.

This was confirmed in a statement by the president of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana and the councilor for welfare, Giulio Gallera.

He “has a high fever but otherwise is fine”: the president of Lombardy Attilio Fontana said in Centocittà on Rai Radio 1, adding that ‘he hopes that it will soon be lowered and he is doing therapy, “he added.

The councilor for welfare Giulio Gallera also revealed that the entire 17-member in the Lombardy regional government would undergo testing for the novel coronavirus.

“As foreseen for the operators of the essential public utility services, the whole council will undergo the assessment tests.”