Coronavirus: Michael Gove self-isolating as relative shows 'mild' symptoms
Senior Cabinet minister Michael Gove is self-isolating after a member of his family showed coronavirus symptoms.
Gove is a member of the government’s coronavirus “war cabinet” and therefore one of Number 10’s figureheads in its response to the crisis.
The family member is displaying “mild” symptoms and Gove will continue to work as normal from home.
Meanwhile, Gove said he has not suffered any symptoms. He wrote on Twitter:
Many thanks for kind messages. In accordance with the guidance, I am isolating at home after a member of my family started to display mild symptoms of coronavirus on Sunday. I have not displayed any symptoms and am continuing to work as normal. #StayHomeSaveLives
— Michael Gove (@michaelgove) April 7, 2020
The Cabinet Office minister and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster had did the TV and radio broadcast round on Tuesday morning.
The announcement came after Boris Johnson was moved into intensive care on Monday night after his COVID-19 symptoms worsened.
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Gove, who has known the prime minister since they met as students, had said Johnson being in intensive care is “terrible”.
He told Good Morning Britain: “We are just hoping and praying that he pulls through. It was a shock yesterday to hear the news about his going into intensive care.
“We’re desperately hoping that Boris can make the speediest possible recovery.”
In another interview, he said Johnson has received “oxygen support” at St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster but has not been on a ventilator.
He told LBC: “He is not on a ventilator. The prime minister has received some oxygen support.
“He is kept, of course, under close supervision. By being in intensive care if there is further support he needs it is there at hand. But the prime minister has not been on a ventilator.”