Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock both test positive for coronavirus
Update: The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has now also tested positive for coronavirus. He announced his diagnosis shortly after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, stating that his symptoms are also mild, and that he is working from home and self-isolating. We wish both Matt Hancock and Boris Johnson a speedy recovery.
The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, says he's tested positive for coronavirus. Posting a video on twitter, Johnson explained that he is experiencing mild symptoms and is currently self-isolating, while continuing to work thanks to the "wizardry of modern technology".
He captioned the footage: "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. #StayHomeSaveLives."
The video begins with Johnson saying, "Hi folks, I want to bring you up to speed with something that is happening today, which is I've developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus – a temperature and persistent cough. On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer [Chris Whitty], I have taken a test which has come out positive, so I am working from home. I am self-isolating and that's entirely the right thing to do."
It has previously been reported, prior to Johnson's announcement, that in the event of him falling so ill to the virus that he is unable to work, Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, will act as PM in his place. Currently, as Johnson says he is still working from home, this swap has not been implemented.
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. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
Johnson is one of many high profile names who has contracted the virus, which can lead to severe health complications and even death, for some. Actor Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson have been sharing updates on their diagnosis, Idris Elba (star of Luther) has also tested positive for COVID-19, as has Prince Charles.
We wish them all a speedy recovery.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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