British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for coronavirus and will self-isolate in Downing Street, but will continue to take charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.
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Johnson posted a video on Friday morning on Twitter saying he has a temperature and a persistent cough.
“I am working from home, I’m self isolating, and that’s entirely the right thing to do,” he said. “But be in no doubt that I can continue… to communicate with all my top team and lead the national fightback against coronavirus.”
According to a statement from Downing Street,
“After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty. The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.
“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street. He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”
Measures had already been taken to limit contact in Downing Street as Cabinet, earlier this week, was largely by conference call and the daily briefing has gone digital too.
However, the PM has been in Parliament in recent days and hosted some senior figures in person for cabinet, including the chief medical officer and the health secretary.
The prime minister’s fiancée Carrie Symonds, who is several months pregnant, is also self-isolating, although it is not known if they are still living together.
Meanwhile, pregnant women are advised to be particularly stringent when following social distancing advice and minimise social contact for up to 12 weeks.
The news about the Prime Minister is coming days after the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, also tested positive for the virus.
According to a spokesperson, Prince Charles is displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health.”
In the meantime, there are more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, and 578 people have died.
