UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests POSITIVE for Covid-19 infection

27 Mar, 2020 11:18 / Updated 26 seconds ago

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Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus. © REUTERS/Hannah Mckay 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for Covid-19 infection, experiencing mild symptoms. He will self-isolate in Downing Street but will remain in charge of the government.

"Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus," Johnson said. "I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus."

It was not immediately clear when the prime minister was tested but various members of his staff had been working elsewhere when the news first emerged that he had tested positive.

Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives

✔@BorisJohnson

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

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4:45 PM - Mar 27, 2020

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Johnson, 55, reportedly began experiencing mild symptoms on Thursday and was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England's Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty.

Reports in UK media indicate that finance minister Rishi Sunak and health secretary Matt Hancock will have to enter self-isolation because they spent time with Johnson while he was infectious.

The latest figures show that the UK has over 11,800 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection which has, so far, resulted in the deaths of 578 people.