Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson outside 10 Downing Street, joining a national applause for the NHS. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA - Credit: PA

Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in Downing Street.

The prime minister was tested in Number 10 after experiencing mild symptoms on Thursday.

Johnson, who has a high temperature and persistent cough, said he would still lead the ‘national fightback’ against the virus from his flat above Number 11.

The 55-year-old noticed that he had mild symptoms on Thursday afternoon and received the test results at midnight, Downing Street said.

His pregnant partner Carrie Symonds is not believed to be with the PM, and is reportedly isolating alone in Camberwell, south London, with the couple’s dog, Dilyn.

In a video message posted to Twitter, Johnson said: ‘I’m working from home and 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.

‘I want to thank everybody involved and, of course, our amazing NHS staff.’

Jeremy Corbyn wishedMr Johnson a ‘speedy recovery’ and said he hoped the PM’s ‘family are safe and healthy’.

‘Coronavirus can and does affect anyone. Everyone be safe. Our own health depends on everybody else,’ the outgoing Labour leader added.

On Thursday night Johnson applauded the NHS outside Downing Street a couple of metres away from the Chancellor.

The meeting of his cabinet took place remotely on Tuesday with ministers using using Zoom video conferencing.

Downing Street has previously confirmed Dominic Raab is the person to take over from the prime minister if he is unable to work.

If Raab was also ill, the PM has the power to delegate responsibility to any of his ministers.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman confirmed the Queen last saw Johnson just over two weeks ago.

He 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.’

Their following meeting, held on March 18, was conducted via telephone as were their subsequent conversations.