Dominic Cummings is the latest government official to develop coronavirus symptoms

The Prime Minister's chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, is self-isolating after developing coronavirus-like symptoms.

Mr Cummings is the latest member of the Downing Street inner circle to either be diagnosed with Covid-19, or to have developed similar symptoms.

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Not the first in Number 10

Last week, Boris Johnson himself confirmed that he had contracted the disease, but told the public in a video message that he would continue to lead the government’s response to the crisis while self-isolating in Downing Street.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, was next to confirm that he had tested positive for Covid-19, urging people experiencing symptoms to self-isolate in a video message recorded from his home.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, the UK’s Brexit negotiator David Frost, and the Scottish Secretary Alister Jack have all also begun periods in self-isolation.

A key adviser

Mr Cummings, the driving force behind Vote Leave's messaging during the Brexit referendum, was last seen running out of Number 10 shortly after Mr Johnson posted a video message on Friday announcing he had tested positive.

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A No 10 source told the Press Association that Mr Cummings would continue to stay in contact with the Downing Street team while in isolation.

Coronavirus controversy

Cummings faced widespread criticism over his involvement in the UK’s coronavirus response after a Sunday Times article claimed he had said the government’s priority should be to “protect the economy, and if that means some pensioners die, too bad”.

Downing Street denied that the Prime Minister’s chief strategic adviser was relaxed about letting older people die in order to protect the economy, and said the claim was “highly defamatory”.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

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What caused coronavirus?The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But, similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

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Government adviceAs of Monday 23 March the prime minister has put the UK into lockdown and instructed all citizens to stay at home. People can only leave their homes to exercise once a day, go shopping for food and medication, travel for medical needs or to care for a vulnerable person, and travel to work only if essential. Police will be able to enforce these restrictions.

All non-essential shops will close with immediate effect, as will playgrounds, places of worship and libraries. Large events or gatherings of more than two people cannot go ahead, including weddings and celebrations. Funerals can only be attended by immediate family.

Children of separated parents can go between both parents' homes.

Anyone with a cough or cold symptoms needs to self-isolate with their entire household for 14 days.

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The government has now instructed bars, restaurants, theatres and non-essential businesses to close and will review on a ‘month to month’ basis. Schools closed from Friday 20 March for the foreseeable future, and exams have been cancelled.

The over 70s or anyone who is vulnerable or living with an underlying illness are being asked to be extra careful and stay at home to self-isolate. People with serious underlying health conditions will be contacted and strongly advised to undertake "shielding" for 12 weeks.

For more information on government advice, please check their website.

Should I avoid public places?You should now avoid public places and any non-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders.

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What should I do if I feel unwell?Don’t go to your GP but instead look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

When to call NHS 111Only call NHS 111 if you can’t get help online and feel very unwell. This should be used if you feel extremely ill with coronavirus symptoms. If you have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus please use the online service.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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