A top Tory minister sparked virus panic in the Home Office after going into work while waiting for the result of a Covid test, it has been reported.
Policing Minister Mr Malthouse, 54, took a test which came back positive - but he had already returned to his department before the result.
Staff were forced to self-isolate and the Home Office’s HQ in central London had to be deep cleaned and the air vents changed, the Sunday Times reported.
Government guidance says workers should remain socially distanced after taking a test until they receive the all-clear.
In January, Mr Malthouse said would be "preposterous that anyone could be ignorant of the rules".
The minister didn't have any symptoms, but hadn't waited for the results of his Covid test before going to the building, it's reported
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants, said ministers are not exempt from the rules.
He said: “Everyone in a workplace owes a duty of care to their colleagues to ensure it stays Covid-secure.
“Given the significant health risks involved, reckless behaviour must have consequences and ministers cannot be exempt from that.
“As employees return to the workplace, they need to be able to trust that their employer is being open and transparent about the risks.
"Any failure to disclose an incident will only serve to undermine confidence.”
The Home Office said: “The policing minister is self-isolating with his household following a positive Covid test.
“This was a precautionary test as the minister had no symptoms. The minister promptly left the building.”
