In a video posted on his official twitter account, the prime minister confirmed that he had developed mild symptoms of the illness and has tested positive. Johnson said he is now in self-isolation and will continue working from home.
Johnson said he is now self-isolating but will continue to lead the government’s efforts via video conference.
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, 55, developed minor symptoms on Thursday, a day after attending a weekly answer-questions in the House of Commons, a government spokesman at Downing Street said.
The Prime Minister’s examination of Corona was carried out on the personal advice of the British Government’s Chief Medical Adviser Chris Witty, The examination was conducted at the Prime Minister’s Downing Street by NHS staff, and the test was positive. The spokesperson said.
Other top officials contracting the virus
The British prime minister is the latest to join a group of world leaders contracting Covid-19. Here is a list of other top officials tested positive for coronavirus.
Peter Dutton: Australia’s home affairs minister. Dutton was tested positive after returning from a state visit to Washington where he met with a number of officials including Attorney General William Barr.
Augusto Heleno: Brazil’s national security advisor announced on his Twitter account that he has tested positive for the virus. Heleno said he had developed no symptoms at the time of testing.
Michel Barnier: European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Bernie Michel announced via phone from his home in France confirming his contraction.
Ali Akbar Vilayeti: Iran’s top official and foreign policy advisor to the supreme leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei. Other Iranian officials include deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi, member of parliament Fatemeh Rahbar, director of Iran’s emergency medical services Pirhossein Kolivand.
Jeremy Issacharoff: Israel’s ambassador to Germany.
Prince Albert: Monaco’s reigning monarch.
Gen. Jaroslaw Mika: The general command of Poland’s armed forces.
Prince Charles: The possible future British king.
David Beasley: Executive director at the United Nations World Food program.