British Prime Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, the leader said on Friday. On his Twitter account, Johnson said he had developed mild symptoms and was self-isolating, CNN reports.

"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.

"I've taken a test. That has come out positive," he said, adding that he was working from home and self-isolating. "And that's entirely 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 said.

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.

The positive test comes just two days after the 71-year-old Prince Charles, heir to the throne, tested positive. Johnson last met with Queen Elizabeth II on March 11, Buckingham Palace said Friday.