UK minister Gove in self-isolation after relative shows coronavirus symptoms

UK Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove on Tuesday became latest senior government figure to go into self-isolation after a member of his family displayed symptoms of coronavirus.

Gove, who h just hours earlier given an update on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s health in hospital, said he will continue to work from home in line with UK government vice, which calls for 14 days of self-isolation should a relative develop coronavirus symptoms.

“In accordance with guidance, I am isolating at home after a member of my family started to display mild symptoms of coronavirus on Sunday. I have t displayed any symptoms and am continuing to work as rmal,” he said.

news of 52-year-old senior minister’s self-isolation comes as Johnson remains in intensive care unit (ICU) of St Thomas’ Hospital in London after he was shifted re as a precaution should he require a ventilator for breathing difficulties, experienced by patients who contract a more serious form COVID-19.

" prime minister is t on a ventilator. He has received oxygen support and one of reasons of being in intensive care is to ensure that whatever support medical team consider to be appropriate can be provided," Gove said earlier on Tuesday, when he stressed that British public would be kept fully informed on Johnson’s medical condition.

Conservative Party MP, who holds portfolio of Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster, has been on frontlines of media briefings amid ongoing pandemic as a member of Johnson's top team.

“It’s terrible, I’ve kwn Boris since we met as students and it’s been an amazing privilege to work with him as prime minister.

It was a shock yesterday to hear news about him going into intensive care… all of us just want him to pull through, he is leer of our country,” Gove said in one of his television interviews.

“He is a big-hearted, generous-spirited guy who believes in public service. We are just rooting for him,” he ded.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock was ar senior Cabinet minister who h tested positive for coronavirus but has since returned to work after his seven-day self-isolation ended last week. Johnson’s Chief Strategy viser at Downing Street, Dominic Cummings, continues to remain in isolation after he developed coronavirus symptoms around same time as Brirish prime minister 12 days ago.