British PM Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

• He says he is self-isolating but will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as they fight this virus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is now self-isolating.

In a tweet from his official Twitter handle on Friday, the PM said that he developed mild symptoms and on doctors's recommendation tested for the virus. He said his test came out positive.

"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 said.

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

A Downing Street spokesman said the prime minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty. "The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff," the spokesperson added.