UK PM Boris Johnson, Health Secretary Matt Hancock Test Positive For Coronavirus

Johnson will continue to lead the government response to the virus while he self-isolates, an official said.

Updated on: 27 March 2020 6:54 pm

The United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for coronavirus on Friday and said he was experiencing mild symptoms.

Taking to Twitter, he said he was self-isolating and had symptoms such as temperature and cough.

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

"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," he wrote on Twitter.

Soon after Johnson, Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had tested positive for COVID-19.

"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.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described British premier Boris Johnson as a "fighter" and hoped he recovers from coronavirus infection.

"Dear PM @BorisJohnson, you're a fighter and you will overcome this challenge as well," Modi tweeted.