…more govt officials, aides to go into isolation
The Boris Johnson-led assault on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain took a twist on Friday after the prime minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that they had tested positive for the virus.
Their announcements came on a day the coronavirus death toll in the country jumped by 181 to 759 in what was described as Britain’s darkest day of the crisis yet.
Almost 3,000 more patients were diagnosed.
But Johnson vowed to keep working with messages of support flooding in for him.
More government officials including secretaries are expected to go into isolation after coming in contact with the PM following his appearance in the parliament on Wednesday.
“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,” Johnson said on Twitter.
He was also on video, saying: “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. That is entirely the right thing to do.
“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.”
A Downing Street source 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. In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street,” the source added.
Mr. Johnson’s pregnant partner Carrie Symonds is believed to be in self-isolation, although it is not known when they last saw each other or if she has been checked.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wished him “a speedy recovery and hope his family are safe and healthy.
“Coronavirus can and does affect anyone. Everyone be safe. Our own health depends on everybody else.”
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers of whole nation with @BorisJohnson having tested positive for coronavirus.
“We are so grateful for your strong leadership at this time of crisis and know you will back with your trademark optimism before long! Thinking of you and Carrie.”
Ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid posted: “Whole Javid family and country thinking of you @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds.
“Thank you for your strong leadership at a time of crisis. Get well soon!”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter: “Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon.
“Thank you for everything your Government is doing to help us fight this.
“This is a reminder that anyone can get #COVID19. We must all follow the rules and stay at home to support our amazing NHS staff to save lives.”
Shortly after Mr. Johnson made his status public, Hancock did same.
“I’ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating,” he said on Twitter.
The Queen, who last saw Johnson on March 11, was said to be in good health yesterday.
The 93-year-old monarch, whose son Prince Charles also has the infection, is said to be “following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty the Queen remains in good health. The Queen last saw the Prime Minister on March 11 and is following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare.”
The UK’s coronavirus death toll went up to 759 yesterday after officials announced 181 more victims of the infection.
Almost 15,000 Britons have been infected, with 2,921 cases recorded in 24 hours.
Scotland yesterday confirmed eight more deaths, Wales six and Northern Ireland three – the rest occurred in England.
Spain death toll rises by 769 in single day
The Spanish Health Ministry said at least 4,858 people have died from coronavirus in Spain, with 64,285 cases recorded.
Seven hundred and sixty-nine people were recorded dead yesterday though the rate of increase was slower than in the previous two days.
On Thursday, Health Minister Salvador Illa, had said analysis of recent data from Spain indicated a “phase of stabilization” in the trend of diagnoses.
