The current UK guidance on self-isolating says people should stay at home and avoid contact with others for seven days if they develop symptoms of the coronavirus. After that, self-isolation can end. This is so long as they feel well and do not have a fever. However, this contradicts the current World Health Organization advice.

The UK guidance says a cough may persist for several weeks despite the coronavirus infection having cleared, but this does not mean self-isolation should be prolonged.

Although, if symptoms worsen and (especially if a person develops shortness of breath or a new fever), they should contact NHS 111.

However, the UK advice on how long to self-isolate for contradicts advice from the World Health Organization.

WHO advice says people should self-isolate for 14 days after symptoms have cleared.

Newcastle University public health expert Prof Allyson Pollock along with 24 other concerned colleagues are now demanding to see evidence in support of the UK’s stance.

The Department of Health and Social Care says the recommendations are based on science and expert advice.

This is based on the science that most people will develop symptoms within five days of having contact with the virus.

After seven days, the Department of Health and Social Care believes the virus is highly unlikely to be passed on to anyone else.

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An official said: “The government’s response to this virus and all clinical guidance is led by science and a world renowned team of clinicians, public health experts and scientists – including epidemiologists – working round the clock to keep us safe.”

However, Prof Pollock and her colleagues say there have been reports of a risk of infection beyond seven days – ranging from 10 to 24 days after symptoms begin.

In their letter to Mr Hancock., they said: “We are also concerned about the narrow spectrum of symptoms the UK is using as an indication for self-isolation.”

“We are aware that other countries are using a broader range of symptoms for self-isolation.”

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The UK says cough and fever are the main symptoms, but other common ones may include: A sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath and muscle aches.

The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues his recovery after catching the disease himeslf.

Now, Boris Johnson has given a major health update following his battle with the deadly coronavirus in St Thomas’ hospital.

Boris Johnson told Trump that he is “feeling better and on the road to recovery” from coronavirus during a call with the US president today.

The Prime Minister appears to be getting back into the forefront of the government drive.

Mr Johnson is still in recouperating at Chequers with pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds.

However, the talk between the two leaders on the coronavirus pandemic still went ahead this afternoon.

The Prime Minister will also hold his regular audience with the Queen later this week – remotely on the telephone.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon, and thanked him for his good wishes while he was unwell.

“The leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus, including through the G7 – which the US currently chairs.

“They also discussed continued UK-US cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.

“The leaders committed to continue working together to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including by signing a free trade agreement as soon as possible.”

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