UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, the government has said.
In a video posted on Twitter minutes ago, the prime minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed he had developed mild symptoms – “a temperature and persistent cough” – over the last 24 hours and, on the advice of the chief medical officer, he took a test which returned positive for coronavirus.
Johnson, 55, said he was now self-isolating and working from home. He said thanks to “the wizardry of modern technology” he would continue to lead the national fightback against the virus.
He thanked the NHS and everybody working to keep the country going through the pandemic and remained confident the UK would beat the virus. He reiterated that staying at home was fundamental to stopping the spread of the virus.
He wrote on Twitter:
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.
Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
Mr Johnson was last seen on Thursday night as he clapped outside No 10 as part of a nationwide gesture to thank NHS staff.
There are more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, and 578 people have died.
It comes after the Prince of Wales also tested positive for the virus earlier this week.
Prince Charles, 71, is to be displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health”, a spokesman said.