Chris Whitty, the UK’s chief medical officer, has self-isolated after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Whitty, charged with advising Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the UK’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, said today he has tested positive for the virus.

Read more: Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

Johnson and health minister Matt Hancock earlier confirmed they have caught coronavirus and are self-isolating.

Whitty said on Twitter: “After experiencing symptoms compatible with Covid-19 last night, in line with the guidance, I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days.

“I will be continuing to advise the government on the medical response to coronavirus, supported by my deputies.”

Earlier today Johnson said he was self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus. He is staying in the flat above 11 Downing Street. And staff are leaving meals and work at the door to the flat.

Read more: UK coronavirus: Matt Hancock tests positive

Hancock has also quarantined himself until next Thursday. And Whitty will now stay in isolation for at least seven days.

It came as 181 more Brits died of coronavirus over the last day, figures confirmed.

That takes the total number of UK coronavirus deaths to 759. And the UK now has 14,579 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Johnson is believed to be the first country leader to confirm they have coronavirus. He experienced mild symptoms over the past 24 hours. He was last seen on Thursday clapping outside 10 Downing Street in support of the NHS.

Johnson has said he will continue to lead the government’s response to coronavirus. Whitty has said he will continue to advise on strategy.

The UK was initially criticised for a perceived slowness in its response to the outbreak. As cases spiked in Italy and Spain, the government did not ban social gatherings or travel.

Read more: UK coronavirus death toll jumps 31 per cent to 759

But last week the PM ordered pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops to shut their doors for the foreseeable future.

And those displaying symptoms are advised to self-isolate for at least seven days.

Johnson said in a video today: “I’m working from home and self-isolating and that’s entirely the right thing to do.”

More to follow.