National leader Christopher Luxon, MP Mark Mitchell test positive for COVID-19

National MP Mark Mitchell and National leader Christopher Luxon.
National MP Mark Mitchell and National leader Christopher Luxon. Photo credit: Newshub

National leader Christopher Luxon has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Luxon said in a statement that he returned a positive test result on Monday but had not experienced any symptoms.

"Today I tested positive for COVID-19. I have not been showing COVID-19 symptoms, but have been testing myself regularly as a precaution, including on Sunday morning, with all tests returning negative results," Luxon said. 

"The test earlier today returned a positive result and I am now isolating at home with my family, who have all tested negative. I feel fine and intend to participate in Parliament and meetings remotely."

National MP Mark Mitchell has also confirmed that he has tested positive. The Whangaparāoa MP told Newshub he had a sore throat but no other symptoms.

Luxon's positive result comes the day after he delivered his State of the Nation speech at his Botany electorate in Auckland. 

National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis will fill in for Luxon at caucus on Tuesday. 

Luxon and Mitchell are the third- and fourth-known MPs to have contracted the coronavirus. Luxon's positive test result came just hours after National's finance spokesperson Simon Bridges tested positive.

Last week Cabinet minister David Parker reported testing positive. Parker said he had minor symptoms and was "not feeling too bad".