British PM Boris Johnson goes into self-isolation after COVID-19 contact

On Sunday night, Downing Street said Mr Johnson would present a committed policy launch on social justice, "levelling up" and coronavirus over the coming weeks following the sudden exit from No 10 of Mr Cummings and Mr Cain.

"Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been told to self-isolate through the NHS Test and Trace app after coming into contact with someone who tested positive", he said. Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19, but it doesn't mean a vaccine is imminent.

Johnson had contracted the virus at the end of March and was admitted to intensive care as his condition deteriorated after self-isolating for 10 days.

When Johnson caught COVID-19 in March, he tried to work through the illness "in denial" - but ended up wearing an oxygen mask in an intensive care unit and was ultimately out of action for nearly a month.

They left amid claims Mr Johnson's fiancée Carrie Symonds was dubbed "Princess Nut Nut" in a power struggle.

He met with a small group of lawmakers for about a half-hour on Thursday, including one, Lee Anderson, who subsequently developed symptoms and tested positive. "We've got to interrupt the spread of the disease and one of the ways we can do that now is by self-isolating for 14 days when you get contacted by NHS Test and Trace".

The quarantine requirement comes at the start of a crucial week for Johnson's Conservative government that includes discussions over a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union.

Fauci: Last Trump virus meeting months ago
Drugmaker Pfizer announced last week that tests of its vaccine show it is more than 90% effective. An influential COVID-19 model projects the US death toll may reach 439,000 by March 1.

Hancock also brushed aside suggestions that Downing Street is not following the advice it preaches as pictures emerged of Johnson and Anderson posing for a photograph seemingly less than two meters (6 1/2 feet) apart and without face coverings.

"I'm fit as a butcher's dog - feel great", a jovial Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter.

Health minister Hancock on Monday criticised groups that were opposed to taking the new vaccine, telling Times Radio that it was "entirely inappropriate".

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Transforming the UK's diagnostic facilities is not only essential to beating this virus, but it is necessary to build back better - so we are better prepared in future for testing on a massive scale".

"We're absolutely working to make Christmas as normal as possible", he said.

"I have no doubt he will be driving things forward via Zoom but the thing is when you are in close contact with somebody you do need to self-isolate if they are positive and that's exactly what the Prime Minister has done".