UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19

By MiNDFOOD

Boris Johnson
The UK Prime Minister confirmed his positive test result via social media.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Johnson, 55,  is thought to be the first world leader to announce that he has the virus. 

Johnson made the announcement himself via social media. In the video, Johnson revealed he is now self-isolating in Downing Street and has experienced mild symptoms over the past 24 hours, such as a temperature and a cough. He will continue to lead the government while in self-isolation.

“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 posted on Twitter.

The news comes following backlash Johnson received from many health experts around the globe for failing to act quickly enough to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom. There are currently 14,543 confirmed cases in the UK, and so far there have been 759 deaths.

Shortly after Johnson’s announcement, the UK’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock also tested positive for the virus, while England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has shown symptoms of COVID-19 and announced he will also self-isolate.

Governing from home

Boris Johnson made his last appearance on Thursday night when he was seen clapping outside No. 10 as part of the “Clap for our Carers” campaign – the UK’s nationwide initiative to show appreciation for NHS staff.

“I’m working from home and self-isolating and that’s entirely the right thing to do,” Johnson said in his video post.

“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 fight-back against coronavirus.”

Carrie Symonds, Johnson’s fiancée, is several months pregnant and is reportedly self-isolating. However, it is not known if the pair are doing so together. 

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