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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus but will continue to lead the nation’s response to the pandemic from self-isolation.
Johnson said he had developed “mild symptoms” — a temperature and a persistent cough — and after taking a test on the advice of the U.K.’s chief medical officer, had tested positive.
The Prime Minister said on Friday he is working from home and will be self-isolating following his diagnosis — in line with his government’s own advice to the public. Johnson is expected to stay at his home above Number 11 Downing Street, but insisted it will not impact his ability to lead the country.
“Be in no doubt that, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, I can continue to communicate with all my top team and lead the national fightback against coronavirus,” he said in a video message to the public.
The government appointed Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab as the “designated survivor” earlier this week, in the event that Boris Johnson were to become too ill to lead.
Johnson, 55-years-old, will have to isolate from his pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds. The daily briefing to the public, in which Johnson has been flanked by medical experts and other ministers, may also now have to change format following the diagnosis.
The Prime Minister joined a national round of applause for the country’s National Health Service workers and carers last night, clapping outside 10 Downing Street alongside the chancellor Rishi Sunak.
The Treasury said on Friday that Sunak, who has been an impressive figure in recent weeks, unveiling a number of economic packages to protect workers and businesses, isn’t self-isolating.
Aside from Sunak, Johnson has been in close proximity to a number of other top officials leading the country’s response to the pandemic, which may lead to more testing and certainly more concern inside Number 10.
In recent days, the government has ramped up restrictive social measures in a bid to slow the spread of the virus, urging people to stay at home and closing pubs, restaurants and other social venues.
All nonessential retailers have also been shut as Britain observes a national lockdown.
