UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, the leader said on Friday, according to a CNN report.
On his Twitter account, Johnson said he had developed mild symptoms and was self-isolating.
“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,” Johnson wrote.
In a video, Johnson said he was experiencing a temperature and a persistent cough, which are key symptoms of the virus, and that he took a test on the advice of the country’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, CNN reported.
Johnson said he has taken the test and it showed positive, but he will continue working from home and self-isolating.
According to CNN, a government spokesperson said that the test was carried out in Downing Street by staff from the NHS, the country’s public healthcare system.
Johnson joins a long list of government officials around the world who have been infected with the coronavirus.
Few heads of government, however, have contracted it.
The positive test comes just two days after the 71-year-old Prince Charles, heir to the throne, tested positive, CNN reported.
