Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, right, and Health Minister Matt Hancock visit Bassetlaw District General Hospital on their General Election campaign in Worksop, England. Matt Hancock has tested positive for the new coronavirus, Friday March 27, 2020, the same day as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was confirmed to have COVID-19.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for COVID-19. In his tweet confirming the infection, 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."
6:47 PM: After Boris Johnson, UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also tested positive for coronavirus. Read full story here
6:08 PM: As United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for coronavirus, messages started pouring in from world leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a speedy recovery to his UK counterpart in a tweet.
In a statement recorded by the British Prime Minister he said, "I have developed mild symptoms of coronavirus -- mild temperature and mild cough. On the advice of the chief medical officer, I took a test of coronavirus that came out positive. Therefore, I am working from home and self-isolating and that is entirely the right thing to do."
Johnson, 55, then went on to thank the medical authorities and public in general and said that if the measures are complied with, properly, the UK will come through the epidemic and bounce back strong.
"Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with my team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus," he further added
A number of people sent their wishes to Boris Johnson on Twitter, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Downing Street will be carrying out a press conference soon on the matter. As per Sky News, Dominic Raab, The First Secretary of State in the UK, is expected to take over some of the functions in the PM office. Earlier, heir to the British Throne, Prince Charles of Wales, also contracted the virus. Prince Charles, 71, has been in self-isolation at his palace and is in stable condition, reports have confirmed.
