British PM Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus, goes into isolation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a video message has revealed that he has tested positive for the coronavirus after he developed mild symptoms of the disease over the last 24 hours.

“I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus,” Johnson said in the video message. 

A Downing Street spokesman said Johnson, 55, experienced mild symptoms on Thursday - a day after he answered at the prime minister’s weekly question-and-answer session in the chamber of the House of Commons.

“The prime minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty,” the spokesman said.

“The test was carried out in No 10 by National Health Service staff and the result of the test was positive,” the spokesman said.

The British prime minister will remain in charge while in isolation at No 10, Downing Street, his official residence and the headquarters of the the British government. 

There are more than 11,600 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK. More than 570 people have died from the disease.

Earlier this week, the Prince of Wales, the first in line to the British throne, had tested positive for the virus. He remains in good health, according to reports.

British health secretary tests positive for coronavirus

Britain´s Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday said he had tested positive for COVID-19, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was self-isolating with "mild symptoms" of the virus.

"Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. I´ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I´m working from home & self-isolating," Hancock announced on Twitter.

Additional reporting by AFP