The prime minister, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for coronavirus.
He has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street, and will remain in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.
In a video posted on Twitter minutes ago, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed he had developed mild symptoms – “a temperature and persistent cough” – over the last 24 hours and, on the advice of the chief medical officer, he took a test which returned positive for coronavirus.
Johnson said he is self-isolating and working from home. He said thanks to “the wizardry of modern technology” he will continue to lead the national fightback against the virus.
He thanked the NHS and everybody working to keep the country going through the pandemic and reiterated that staying at home is fundamental to stopping the spread of the virus.
He wrote on Twitter: “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.