Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.
The U.K. Prime Minister took to Twitter to confirm he had been diagnosed with COVID-19, writing: “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,” the 55-year-old continued. “Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives.”
In an accompanying clip, Johnson said he had developed symptoms including “a temperature and a persistent cough” and, “under the advice of the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty I have taken a test, that has come out positive.”
Explaining he is self-isolating and working from home, he added: “Be in no doubt I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team, to lead the national fight back against coronavirus.”
Johnson went on to thank “everyone that’s involved” in dealing with the pandemic, including Britain’s “amazing” NHS (National Health Service), and urged his followers to follow the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the government’s strict lockdown measures to stay home and practice social distancing, to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We’re going to beat it, and we’re going to beat it together,” he finished. “Stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”
