Johnson, 55, 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.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, 41, said: “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.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak, 39, who has regularly appeared alongside the prime minister, has not shown symptoms and so has not been tested, according to BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg.
On March 23, the prime minister’s spokesman said that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would be the “designated survivor” if the prime minister fell ill with coronavirus or was otherwise incapacitated.
Raab said at the time: “The prime minister has the power to delegate responsibility to any of his ministers but, for now, it’s the prime minister and then the foreign secretary.”
It is unclear whether Johnson will hand over power, as his symptoms are only mild – “a temperature and persistent cough,” he said – and he said he would continue to lead the government by working at home and via video-conferencing, citing the “wizardry of modern technology.”
A Downing Street spokesperson said, “The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive,” referring to the National Health Service and the prime minister’s iconic Downing Street residence.
“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street. He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”
