UK PM Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Friday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, adding in the same vein that he will continue to lead the government's response to the virus via video conference.

In a video  message, Johnson said that he developed mild symptoms during the last 24 hours.

"On the advice of the  Chief Medical Officer I  have taken a test that has come out positive," he said.

The British prime minister said he is self-isolating at Downing Street,  his place of residence.

Johnson said that he is working from home, adding in his tweet that  he will continue  to "lead the government’s response via video-conference as we (UK) fight this virus".

The British PM also appreciated the NHS, police, UK public services, and people to protect others from the consequences of the coronavirus.He lauded the volunteers against the fight saying that 600,000 have come forth to register. 

The UK prime minister urged people to stay at homes and practice self-isolation.

UK PM will continue to lead govt's response to coronavirus: Spox

A Downing Street spokesperson , in a statement today, informed that the UK PM was tested 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.

“He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus," the spokesperson maintained.

British health secretary tests positive for coronavirus

Britain´s Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday said he had tested positive for COVID-19, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was self-isolating with "mild symptoms" of the virus.

"Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. I´ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I´m working from home & self-isolating," Hancock announced on Twitter.

Prince Charles in isolation after testing positive

A day earlier,  Prince Charles, the eldest son and heir to Queen Elizabeth II, also tested positive  with mild symptoms.

"The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus," Charles’ office said in a statement. "He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.

The 71-year-old is self-isolating in Scotland along with his wife Camilla, who was also tested but does not have COVID-19, Clarence House said. In a separate statement, Buckingham Palace said the queen, 93, was in "good health" and had not seen her son for two weeks.

There are more than 11,600 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK. More than 570 people have died from the disease.

Additional reporting by AFP