UK’S chief medical adviser self-isolates with symptoms

CHIEF Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty yesterday revealed he had been showing symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection.

The top medic is Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government, and has been at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s side since the start of the coronavirus crisis in the UK - took to Twitter yesterday to break the news.

“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” he posted on the social media channel.

News of Professor Whitty’s self-isolation came just hours after it was learned that the Prime Minister had tested positive for the virus.

Along with Chief Scientific Officer Sir Patrick Vallance , Professor

Whitty has been a key adviser on the Government’s strategy to cope with the Covid-19 emergency.

Its understood that Sir Patrick has not shown any symptoms associated with the virus, and will continue to take part in the daily briefings, accompanied by Professor Whitty’s deputy, Jenny Harries.

Meanwhile, scientists have questioned why Boris Johnson adopted a business-as-usual approach to governing after putting the rest of the UK on lockdown.

Professor Susan Michie, director of University College London’s Centre for Behaviour Change accused Mr Johnson of failing to follow his own advice.

“Whilst the PM was telling people to stay at home and keep at least two metres apart from each other, the House of Commons was open for business and face-to-face parliamentary activities were carrying on,” she said.

“Given the transmission routes of touching contaminated surfaces and breathing in virus-laden droplets, it should not come as a surprise to hear that the PM and Health Secretary have tested positive for coronavirus.

“There are many reasons why those in leadership positions, including in Government, should practice what they preach.

“The first is that such people are important role models, with the ability to enhance or undermine their verbal messages by their actions.

“The second concerns trust: if leaders do not adhere to their own recommendations, this undermines trust in them which in turn can undermine the population’s adherence to their advice.”

But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove came to the defence of the PM and said his illness demonstrated that the virus “does not discriminate”.

Mr Gove told a press conference in Downing Street: “The fact that the virus is no respecter of individuals, whoever they are, is one of the reasons why we do need to have strict social distancing measures so that we can reduce the rate of infection and reduce the pressure on the NHS.”