Boris Johnson's 'mild' coronavirus symptoms that prompted him to get tested Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus after developing symptoms in the last 24 hours. Health Secretary Matt Hancock also has Covid-19
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, it was revealed today.
He shared the news in a video after developing symptoms in the last 24 hours.
The symptoms the PM started to suffer from included a dry cough. He was then advised by Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty to get tested.
In the video clip Mr Johnson told how he had also developed a temperature, which is a classic sign of contracting Covid-19.
Shortly after he confirmed he had the bug, Health Secretary Matt Hancock also revealed he has coronavirus and was self-isolating too.
And Chief Medical Officer Mr Whitty said he too is suffering from symptoms and had chosen to self-isolate - he is not believed to have been tested.
The news has heightened fears that other key Downing St staff may have been exposed - and prominent members of the Cabinet.
Mr Johnson said in a video message that he would be self-isolating until next Thursday.
He said: "I want to bring you up to speed on something that's happening today which is that I've developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus. That's to say - a temperature and a persistent cough.
"And, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, I've taken a test. That has come out positive.
So I am working from home. I'm self-isolating. And that's 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 fightback against coronavirus.
"And I want to thank everybody who's involved, I want to thank, above all, our amazing NHS staff."
No 10 staff do not have to self-isolate unless they show symptoms and a Downing St spokesman said he was "not aware" of any further testing of Cabinet ministers.Anyone showing signs of coronavirus, which include a temperature and a persistent dry cough, have been instructed to self-isolate for seven days, and everyone living in their household should do the same for a two-week period.
So far 759 people in the UK with coronavirus have died.
Mr Johnson received his test results at midnight last night after being tested late yesterday afternoonMs Symonds falls into the group of vulnerable people urged to avoid contact with those with symptoms of Covid-19.
Downing St would not comment on if Ms Symonds was with Mr Johnson in the No 11 flat, but it is understood that she is not.
Ms Symonds, who is expecting the couple's baby in the summer, is also advised to take social distancing seriously.
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