Health secretary Matt Hancock and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr Hancock, whose role sees him leading the Government’s response to the crisis, shared a video filmed from home, where he is in isolation until next Thursday.
He said: ‘Fortunately for me, the symptoms so far have been very mild, so I’ve been able to carry on with the work, driving forward the UK response, and also just being able to just say a massive thank you to everybody in the NHS.’
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.
Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives#StayHomeSaveLivespic.twitter.com/TguWH6Blij
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 27, 2020
Earlier this morning, Boris Johnson stated: ‘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.’
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has also tweeted about experiencing symptoms. He said he is now self-isolating at home for seven days.
After experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 last night, in line with the guidance, I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days.
I will be continuing to advise the Government on the medical response to Coronavirus, supported by my deputies.
— Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) March 27, 2020
Other political figures to have tested positive for Covid-19 include the EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Jarrow MP Kate Osborne.
Health minister Nadine Dorries recently recovered from the virus, and Steven Dick, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Budapest, has sadly died.
Angela Rayner, who is standing to be deputy leader of the Labour Party, is the latest MP to be self-isolating with symptoms of the virus.
Prince Charles also tested positive for the virus earlier this week and is displaying mild symptoms.
Healthcare workers have requested that they be prioritised for testing.
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. #StayHomeSaveLivespic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
