Michael Gove has become the latest member of the Government to go into self-isolation because of the coronavirus.

It is understood the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is quarantining at home in accordance with official guidance after a member of his family displayed “mild” symptoms.

He is said to be continuing to work as normal regardless.

It comes after Mr Gove earlier today admitted Boris Johnson's intensive care battle is "truly frightening".

Appearing on the Today programme, Mr Gove said ministers are "praying" for the prime minister's swift recovery.

Mr Johnson was moved to intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital in central London last night and given oxygen after his health deteriorated over two hours.

The 55-year-old father was moved onto the ICU ward at 7pm due to breathing difficulties - forcing him to appoint Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take the reins of government.

In interviews this morning, Mr Gove said Mr Johnson was being well looked after and was receiving the "very best care".

"As we speak the PM is in intensive care being looked after by his medical team receiving the very, very best care from the team in St Thomas' and our hopes and prayers are with him and with his family," the minister told BBC Breakfast.   

He said Mr Johnson's plight should demonstrate the need to follow social distancing rules, as the virus "has a malevolence that is truly frightening". 

Mr Gove played down concerns that the government will be paralysed with the leader out of action, insisting that Mr Johnson had already been on a 'stripped back diary' for days and 'Cabinet is the supreme decision making body', 

However, within hours it had emerged that Mr Gove himself had also been impacted by coronavirus, as he has gone into self-isolation following a family member displaying symptoms. 

Mr Gove also dodged questions about whether Mr Raab has been given crucial national security responsibilities such as control of the nuclear deterrent and military.