The scientist who helped persuade Trump to take coronavirus seriously says he has now contracted COVID-19

• The lead author of a report which helped persuade President Trump to take the threat of coronavirus more seriously has now contracted the COVID-19 disease.
• Professor Neil Ferguson's had warned that if the United States did not introduce strict new measures to curb people's activity and movement, 2.2 million people could die after contracting the virus.
• Shortly after its publication, the US government introduced sweeping new measures closing schools, encouraging people to work from home, and recommending that mass gatherings should not take place.
• Professor Neil Ferguson said he was now self-isolating after developing the symptoms of the disease.
• The professor also met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street earlier this week raising fears it may have spread further inside the UK government
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The lead author of an alarming report credited with helping to persuade President Trump to change course and take the threat of coronavirus more seriously says he is now self-isolating after displaying symptoms of the disease.

Professor Neil Ferguson, an infectious disease expert at Imperial College London, said he had developed a cough on Tuesday but "felt fine" before quickly developing a fever during the night.

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