Daily US Times, London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for coronavirus, the government has confirmed.
He was tested at his official residence by NHS staff and will self-isolate himself.
The officials said the Prime Minister has shown some mild symptoms for the virus and then tested.
A government statement said: “He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty.”
The statement added that Mr Johnson will still be in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.
Mr Johnson also tweeted, saying: “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.”
He was last seen on Thursday night, clapping for a nationwide gesture to thank NHS staff.
The UK coronavirus cases have been rising for last couple of days. More than 11,600 people have been tested positive while 578 people died.
Earlier this week, Prince of Wales also tested positive for the virus.
The 71-year-old prince is to be displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health”.
‘Great interest’ in who PM may have been in contact with
This is a significant moment in fighting against coronavirus pandemic in the UK.
The Prime Minister has been in close contact with the government’s chief scientist and all of the people in charge of trying to handle how the government’s various responses are going.
He is still well enough to do his job and not stepping back. The job he is doing in terms of running the government’s response will be continued through technologies.
For now, Mr Johnson is still in charge, but if the situation creates and Boris Johnson has to take time off work, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would step up.
Previously, health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive and that sent a wave of shock in Westminster. Since then, various MPs and officials from Whitehall have been self-isolating.
On Thursday, the prime minister was appearing at a press conference on a podium, certainly much closer than two meters away from other people very critical to this effort: Chief Scientist Sir Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.
Since then, press conference have been taking place online.
Great interest arises when and how Mr Johnson infected by the virus. The BBC reported that there is no calendar of when Mr Johnson fell ill and when he was aware he was in a position to test positive.
British politicians are reacting to the news that Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.
Former Tory Cabinet minister Mel Stride says the PM has done the “right thing” to self-isolate and it is clear he “is very much still in charge” of the government and its coronavirus response.
Sir Ed Davey, acting Lib Dem leader, wished Mr Johnson’s “full and speedy recovery” and said his thoughts were also with his fiancée Carrie Symonds, who is expecting their first child.
The political editor of the Spectator James Forsyth said while the prime minister will not be able to go to work as usual, but he can still lead the effort using technology.
Mr Johnson chaired a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday using the Zoom conferencing tool.
Another leading UK politician has virus symptoms
A leading UK politician just confirmed she has shown symptoms of the virus and is self-isolating.
Angela Rayner, Labour’s education spokeswoman who is favourite to be the party’s next deputy leader, says she felt unwell overnight and has “got gradually worse”