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Sajid Javid has Covid – Several top ministers face self-isolation after health sec tests positive with ‘mild symptoms’
SEVERAL top ministers could be forced to self-isolate after Sajid Javid’s positive Covid test.
The Health Secretary today said he had returned a positive lateral flow test for the bug - but his symptoms are "mild" as he has been double-vaccinated.
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Officials are scrambling to work out precisely who has been in close contact with Javid in the past few days.
The Sun understands that several top ministers and civil servants could be forced into self-isolation should Javid return a positive PCR test to back-up his earlier result.
Yesterday, Javid was seen leaving Downing Street - fuelling speculation that Boris Johnson and other cabinet ministers will be required to isolate if contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
He also met with staff at Aashna House care home in Streatham, South London on Tuesday as part of a busy ministerial schedule.
Earlier that day, Javid mixed with fellow ministers and MPs in Westminster.
It marks a fresh setback for the minister, who will likely be required to isolate on 'Freedom Day' - when all restrictions are lifted.
In a video message posted to his Twitter, Javid said: "This morning I tested positive for Covid.
"I’m waiting for my PCR result, but thankfully I have had my jabs and symptoms are mild.
"Please make sure you come forward for your vaccine if you haven’t already."
He added that he had returned the positive result after taking a lateral flow test, which he took after feeling a "bit groggy".
'MILD SYMPTOMS'
Javid continued: "I’m now self-isolating at home with my family until I get the results of a PCR test."
Javid tweeted on March 17 that he had received a first shot of the Astrazeneca jab, posting a picture of him getting a second dose on May 16.
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It comes just three days before the government prepares to lift all Covid restrictions as part of 'Freedom Day'.
Javid was made health secretary last month following Matt Hancock's resignation after The Sun exposed his affair with aide Gina Coladangelo.
Social distancing measures will be scrapped while large-scale events will back on and work-from-home guidance shelved.
CASES SURGE
But ministers have tempered their ‘Freedom Day’ promises as cases continue to surge, with Boris Johnson last week warning the pandemic was “not over”.
But the rapid spread of the Delta variant has sparked concern, with a total of 51,870 cases reported yesterday - the highest daily infection tally since January 15.
Former Health Sec Jeremy Hunt today warned that lockdown restrictions could be imposed if Covid hospitalisations exceed the daily peak of the first wave.
Mr Hunt said the situation was “very serious” and the Government would face “difficult decisions” in the months ahead as cases rise.
Mr Hunt, who is now chairman of the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, told BBC Radio 4: “The warning light on the NHS dashboard is not flashing amber, it is flashing red.
"Covid hospital patients are doubling every two weeks. That means we are heading for 10,000 Covid hospital patients by the end of August, which is about 20 times higher than this time last year. It is a very serious situation.
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“I think coming into September we are almost certainly going to see infections reach a new daily peak going above the 68,000 daily level, which was the previous daily record in January.
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"If they are still going up as the schools are coming back I think we are going to have to reconsider some very difficult decisions.
"How we behave over the next few weeks will have a material difference."
Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirms Step 4 of govt's covid restrictions roadmap will start on July 19
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