Boris Johnson, the British prime minister has tested positive for coronavirus.
“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,” Johnson said.
Johnson is the latest high profile individual to be affected by the bug that is sweeping the world.
Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife have also tested positive for the virus.
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel is in isolation after she was exposed to the virus via her doctor who has tested positive.
Johnson’s bombshell news underscores fears that the virus crisis is escalating in the UK, reported Daily Mail.
“There will also be concerns that other senior ministers, senior figures such as Prof Whitty, and potentially Mr Johnson’s pregnant partner Carrie Symonds, might have been infected”, Daily Mail reported.
Nadine Dorries was the first cabinet member to test positive for the virus on 11 March.
In a video, Mr Johnson said: ‘Hi folks I want to bring you up to speed on something that is happening today which is that I have developed mild symptoms of coronavirus, that is to say a temperature and a persistent cough, and on the advice of the chief medical officer I have taken a test.
‘That has come out positive so I am working from home, I am self isolating.
‘That is entirely the right thing to do.
“But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus.’
AFP