Boris Johnson has confirmed he is suffering from coronavirus. Taking to his Twitter page on Friday morning, the Prime Minister shared a video to reveal that he has mild symptoms and is self-isolating - he will continue to work from home in a bid to fight the widespread virus. "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus," he tweeted. "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."
WATCH: Boris Johnson confirms he has tested positive for coronavirus
In the video, Boris 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."
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"That is entirely the right thing to do," he added. "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." Thanking the nation for all their efforts, Boris continued: "So thank you to everybody who's doing what I'm doing, working from home to stop the spread of the virus from household to household. That's the way we're going to win."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for coronavirus
A Downing Street spokesman has also said: "After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, 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 and the result of the test was positive." The message continued: "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."
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Boris, whose fiancée Carrie Symonds is pregnant with their first child, joined Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Thursday evening where they took part in the nationwide applause for NHS workers as they continue to battle the pandemic. It is expected Boris will be self-isolating from his pregnant wife-to-be in their home. Meanwhile, earlier this week, Prince Charles confirmed he was infected with coronavirus; Canada PM Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie also tested positive.
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