Those with flu or cold could be asked to self-isolate, UK government says

Chief medical officer says new regime for minor illnesses likely to start in next fortnight

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People with symptoms as minor as coughs and colds could be asked to self-isolate within the next two weeks, the government warned on Monday, as Boris Johnson defended the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking at a press conference with the prime minister, Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said that the step would be necessary in a new phase where "we will be having to ask members of the general public to do different things than they would normally do".