England’s chief medical officer self-isolates after showing coronavirus symptoms

Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a centre for homelessness. Photograph: Tim Clarke/DailyExpress/PA Wire. - Credit: PA

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has said he is self-isolating at home after experiencing symptoms compatible with coronavirus.

It comes hours after prime minister Boris Johnson and health secretary Matt Hancock tested positive for coronavirus.

The announcement means that the three men leading the fight against the outbreak are self-isolating. All are continuing to work.

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.’


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The professor has appeared frequently in front of the cameras at Boris Johnson’s press conferences – and appears in televisions adverts – updating the public on the coronavirus outbreak.