Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will self-isolate and continue to work in 10 Downing Street in London, announcing his positive test for coronavirus. He’s seen here Thursday night, joining in the U.K.’s national applause for health service workers who are helping to fight the Coronavirus. Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images hide caption
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Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, he announced Friday. In a video announcement, Johnson said he has “mild symptoms” of COVID-19, including a fever and “a persistent cough.”
Johnson says he will continue to work as he self-isolates.
“Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus,” Johnson said via Twitter. “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.”
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 pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
News of Johnson’s coronavirus status comes two days after Prince Charles revealed he had also tested positive for the respiratory virus, which has now killed nearly 25,000 people worldwide. Charles is now in self-isolation in Scotland.
The U.K. currently has nearly 12,o00 coronavirus cases, and 580 people have died from COVID-19.
Earlier this week, Johnson ordered strict lockdown measures on all of the U.K., requiring people to stay home unless they must go out to perform essential work and purchase necessities. That step came after thousands of Britons neglected to follow health experts’ advice for people to practice social distancing.
The lockdown followed growing criticism of the Johnson’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many saying strict measures were long overdue.
