CoronavirusMar 27 2020

Prime minister tests positive for coronavirus

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Prime minister tests positive for coronavirus

Prime minister Boris Johnson has confirmed he has tested positive for coronavirus after developing mild symptoms over the last 24 hours.

In a video uploaded on his twitter page, the prime minister said he is now self isolating at Number 10 Downing Street but would continue to lead the government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis via video-conferencing.

Mr Johnson said: “I have developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus – that’s to say a temperature and a persistent cough, and on the advice of the chief medical officer I have taken a test that has come out positive.”

He added: “I am working from home and self-isolating and that is the right thing to do. But 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.”

He finished by thanking NHS staff, teachers, police and social care workers as well as DWP staff for their work in fighting the pandemic.

It is not known whether any other top officials have contracted the virus.

amy.austin@ft.com 

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