Jonathan Van-Tam misses COVID knighthood ceremony after testing positive

Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam missed his knighthood ceremony because he caught COVID-19.

Best known for helping Britain's fight against the virus as the deputy chief medical officer, he was due to be invested on Tuesday.

However, the University of Nottingham - where he has taken on an academic role - announced the ceremony was on hold.

A statement said Prof Van-Tam had "almost completely recovered".

It added: "Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection early last week.

"He is fully vaccinated, is continuing to work whilst isolating at home and is almost completely recovered.

"He is very disappointed not to have attended his investiture yesterday (Tuesday) as was planned, however it will be rescheduled and he is very much looking forward to receiving his Knighthood for services to public health.

"This is a timely reminder that no matter how vigilant we remain, the risk of infection from COVID-19 remains present and can affect anyone.

"We should all continue to take reasonable steps to protect ourselves including getting fully vaccinated."