AN MP has explained why he travelled from London to the North-East by train after displaying coronavirus symptoms.
Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington, revealed he had travelled from London in March to self-isolate at home in a statement on social media on Saturday.
The Northern Echo asked Mr Gibson to explain the circumstances further after a reader got in touch to say they were "completely shocked" by his statement.
Mr Gibson said he first came down with a cough on March 18, before the lockdown, while working in parliament.
He said: “I was coughing for a period of about an hour. I became concerned that I might have the virus so I contacted the MPs coronavirus helpline. I explained my symptoms and the advice given was I should isolate for a period of seven days.
"I said I’m in London, I don’t have accommodation, I’m staying in the spare room of a friend’s flat. What am I going to do?
"I was advised if my normal mode of transport was the train I should use that but should isolate and keep myself to myself, which is what I did.
"I came home and self-isolated in my house, away from other members of the household, eating alone, using a separate bathroom. I did that for seven days.
"After that I re-integrated myself into the household. I didn’t go anywhere other than walking the dog, alone, while isolating.
"Some people will say I should have stayed in London but where was I supposed to stay? Was I meant to move into a hotel? Was I supposed to go back to the flat of another MP when I had nothing apart from a couple of changes of clothes? Did I run the risk of potentially infecting the friend whose flat it was?"
Mr Gibson, who said his coronavirus symptoms were "short-lived" is currently staying in Thirsk while repairs are made to his home in Darlington and is working from home.
The online version of this article previously said Mr Gibson developed a cough on March 1.
Mr Gibson initally told the Northern Echo he developed a cough on March 11. He has since clarified that he developed it on March 18.
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