UK PM, Chancellor to self-isolate after Health Secretary tests COVID positive

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak will self-isolate as they have come in contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid who has tested COVID positive, according to reports.

The British government has confirmed that most COVID curbs in England will end today as part of the final step, or Step Four, of England's roadmap out of the lockdown.
The British government has confirmed that most COVID curbs in England will end today as part of the final step, or Step Four, of England's roadmap out of the lockdown. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@SadieNott

This has sparked public outrage in the country as the duo had earlier decided to avoid self-isolation by taking part in a daily testing pilot scheme.

"Whilst the test and trace pilot is fairly restrictive, allowing only essential government business, I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren't the same for everyone is wrong," Sunak tweeted. 

Javid, the new Health Secretary who replaced Matt Hancock last month, is now under self-isolation at his home. 

He said he has had two vaccine shots and his symptoms are mild.

The British government has confirmed that most COVID curbs in England will end today as part of the final step, or Step Four, of England's roadmap out of the lockdown. 

But scientists have warned that lifting all restrictions at this stage could increase the likelihood of dangerous variants spreading more rapidly.

Britain reported on Saturday another 54,674 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, pushing the country's tally to 5,386,340, official figures showed.

The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain has reached 128,683.

More than 87 per cent of Britain's adults have received one dose of Covid vaccine, while over 67 per cent have received two jabs, the latest figures showed.