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Coronavirus: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19

Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah StegerThe West Australian
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Camera IconBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Credit: Matt Dunham/AP

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a video posted on Twitter by Mr Johnson tonight, the British Prime Minister announced he had taken the test on the advice of the chief medical officer after developing “mild symptoms” over the past 24 hours - “a temperature and a persistent cough”.

The PM said he would be self-isolating at home but would continue to lead the government’s response via video conference “as we fight this virus”.

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“Together we will beat this,” he wrote.

He signed off the tweet with the hashtag #StayHomeSaveLives.

It comes just two days after Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son and heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Prince Charles is currently self-isolating in Balmoral, Scotland while his wife Camilla, who tested negative for the virus, is quarantined in a seperate part of the estate.

His 93-year-old mother the Queen is self-isolating at Windsor Castle with husband Prince Philip, 98.

In the UK Prime Minister’s video, Mr Johnson said he would be “working from home”.

“I’m 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 fight back against coronavirus,” he said.

Mr Johnson also thanked the “amazing” NHS staff as well as the country’s police, social care workers, teachers and school workers, DWP staff and the 600,000 people volunteering to take part in the national effort to protect people from COVID-19.

“I want to thank everybody who’s working to keep our country going through this epidemic,” he said.

A statement from Downing Street said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.”

“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.

“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street.”

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