Chief medical officer Chris Whitty self-isolates with coronavirus symptoms hours after Boris Johnson is diagnosed

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Katy Clifton27 March 2020

England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty has said he is self-isolating at home after experiencing symptoms compatible with coronavirus.

The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock said they had been diagnosed with Covid-19 on Friday.

Posting on Twitter, Prof Whitty said: "After experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 last night, in line with the guidance, I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days.

"I will be continuing to advise the Government on the medical response to Coronavirus, supported by my deputies."

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance and Prime Minister Boris Johnson
REUTERS

Prof Whitty has appeared at a number of the daily Covid-19 press conference in Downing Street giving the latest advice in the fight against coronavirus.

Speaking on Wednesday, he said coronavirus will be a “close run thing” for the NHS and said the Government was expecting the demand for critical care beds to rise in the next two weeks.

Just a day after speaking beside the Prime Minister, Prof Whitty advised Mr Johnson be tested for the virus after he started "experiencing mild symptoms".

Downing Street said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.

“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive. In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street.

"He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”

Mr Johnson, who has a high temperature and persistent cough, said he would still lead the “national fightback” against the virus from his flat above Number 11.

The 55-year-old noticed that he had mild symptoms on Thursday afternoon and received the test results at midnight, Downing Street said.

His pregnant partner Carrie Symonds is not with him, and is reportedly isolating alone in Camberwell, south London, with the couple’s dog, Dilyn.

Mr Johnson and Mr Hancock have been working closely with the country’s top medics, including Prof Whitty, deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

It is not known which close contacts have been tested, but Downing Street said the advice on social distancing had been observed in Number 10.

Sir Patrick tweeted that he has experienced no symptoms and has therefore not been tested.