Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in Downing St.
Mr Johnson revealed the news in a tweet after developing symptoms in the last 24 hours but insisted he would continue to lead the government through the crisis.
The PM chaired this morning’s Covid-19 meeting via videolink.
It raises fears that other key Downing St staff may have been exposed – and prominent members of the Cabinet, including the Health Secretary and the Chancellor.
Last week the Government confirmed that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would take over from the PM if at any point he was incapacitated.
In a video message Mr Johnson said: “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.”
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.
Confirming the news, a Downing Street spokesperson 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 has been leading the government’s response – including hosting daily press conference alongside key cabinet ministers.
It is not known if the Government is testing those who have come into contact with Mr Johnson in the last week to text their exposure to the virus.
Mr Johnson was last seen on Thursday night standing outside No 01 as part of a nationwide thank you to NHS staff.
There are more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus cases in the UK, and 578 people have died.
Prince Charles also tested positive for coronavirus this week, but the 71-year-old, “remains in good health”.
Source: mirror.co.uk
