UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, the leader said on Friday according to a CNN report.
“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,” Johnson wrote.
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 (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
In a video, Johnson said he was experiencing temperature and a persistent cough, which are key symptoms of the virus, and that he took a test on the advice of the country’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty.
“I’ve taken a test. That has come out positive,” he said, adding that he was working from home and self-isolating. “And that’s entirely the right thing to do.”
“But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus,” he said.
A government spokesperson said that the test was carried out in Downing Street by staff from the NHS, the country’s public healthcare system.
Johnson joins a long list of government officials around the world who have been infected with the coronavirus.
