THE Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.
He has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street.
However, he will still be in charge of the Government's handling of the crisis.
The news comes on the same day as health secretary Matt Hancock and chief medical officer Chris Whitty also revealed they are self-isolating due to testing positive for the virus.
Professor Whitty is continuing to advise the Government on the medical response to Coronavirus, supported by his deputies.
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
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
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, professor Chris Whitty.
“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.
“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street.
“He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”
Mr Johnson, 55, posted a video on Twitter to say that people should “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”.
It is not known whether he is staying with his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, who is several months pregnant.
Earlier in the week it was announced that the Prince of Wales was also suffering “mild symptoms” of the disease.
On Thursday night Charles was seen for the first time since testing positive for coronavirus.
Clarence House posted a video in their Instagram Stories of heir to throne Charles joining in with the round of applause for the NHS from Birkhall, his private home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Labour MP Angela Rayner announced on Twitter that she is also self-isolating after suffering symptoms, while Duncan Selbie, the chief executive of Public Health England is also self-isolating with symptoms.
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