Barnier self-isolates and Brexit talks halt after EU official tests positive

Face-to-face talks in Brussels paused as member of Barnier's team has coronavirus

The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, was forced to go into self-isolation and face-to-face Brexit talks in Brussels have been suspended after a member of the bloc's negotiating team tested positive for coronavirus.

In a development that will put further pressure on the tight timeline for a successful outcome in the trade and security talks, Barnier shut down the talks in the Belgian capital with the agreement of his British counterpart, David Frost.