Virus puts Brexit talks on hold

EU negotiator tests positive for COVID- 19 as deadline nears.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — As if the Brexit trade negotiations were not tortuous enough, the coronavirus added a twist at a crucial stage Thursday when toplevel talks had to be suspended because an EU negotiator tested positive for COVID- 19.

It added uncertainty to the negotiations as a deadline looms ever closer, and both sides are still divided on three key issues.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said that together with his U. K. counterpart, David Frost ,“we have decided to suspend t he negotiations at our level for a short period.”

Talks among lower- ranking officials will continue in the meantime.

Any long suspension of talks will make it tougher for the negotiators to cl inch a deal ahead of Jan. 1, when the existing trade agreements between the EU and Britain expire.

“We are discussing with them the implications for the negotiations. We have been, and will continue to, act inline with public health guidelines and to ensure the health and welfare of our teams,” the British government said in a statement.

The virus, which has been so brutal for people across the EU and U. K ., did not spare the negotiations either.

Barnier tested positive in March, and Frost self- isolated that same month after developing coronavirus symptoms.

U. K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalized in April and is currently back in coronavirus quarantine until next Thursday.

Time is running out as the EU will need about four weeks to complete the approval process of any deal that is agreed upon.