LONDON – Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, the UK government has said.
The BBC reports that Johnson has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street.
He tested positive at No 10, a process that was carried out by the National Health Service staff.
Johnson confirmed this on Twitter saying, “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”.
According to a government statement, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty.
He will still be in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis, the statement added.
As of now, there are more than 11,600 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, and 578 people have died.
This also comes days after Prince Charles, 71 — the Prince of Wales — also tested positive for the virus earlier this week.
