British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tests Positive for Coronavirus

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for Coronavirus. The news broke on Friday morning that the leader of the United Kingdom had contracted Covid-19 as his country has taken measures to keep people at home and make economic and medical preparations for the outbreak.

Johnson made the announcement himself on his Twitter account.

“Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus,” Johnson said.

Those mild symptoms include a fever and a sore throat.

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 (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020

“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.”

Downing Street, the prime minister’s residence and principal office, also issued  a statement saying: “He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms, says No 10 https://t.co/IjA7PNb2da

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) March 27, 2020

Johnson will reportedly remain in charge of the country and its handling of the crisis. However, recent reports suggested that in the event the prime minister was unable to perform his duties, provisions were in place to allow another government minister to take over.

Earlier this week, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, tested positive for the virus. Johnson becomes the first head of government of a major nation to contract the virus. He was in parliament this week discussing the disease, though social distancing was observed.