According to reports, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, aged 55, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
“He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty,” a statement said.
The prime minister has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street, but will continue to take charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.
He posted a video on Friday morning 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.”
In the same tweet, PM Johnson said, “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.”
There are more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, and the country has recorded 578 deaths.
