British PM Boris Johnson Tests Positive For Coronavirus; Narendra Modi Wishes Speedy Recovery

Boris Johnson becomes the second high-profile British leader to test positive for Covid-19 in recent days after Prince Charles, the heir to the the throne.

Boris Johnson informed that he would remain under self-isolation and would continue to discharge his duties. (File Photo/ AFP)

London: United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday disclosed that he has been tested positive for the deadly Coronavirus after developing mild-symptoms. With this development, Johnson becomes the second high-profile British leader to test positive for Covid-19 in recent days after Prince Charles, the heir to the the throne. Soon after confirmation of his reports, the UK PM released a short video on Twiiter. "I've developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus, that's a temperature and a persistent cough," Johnson said. He also informed that he would remain under self-isolation and would continue to discharge his duties from is home in Downing Street, London.

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. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri — Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020

"On the advice of the chief medical officer, I have taken a test and that has come out positive. I'm working from home and self-isolating. That's entirely the right thing to do," he said. "I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of technology, to communicate with my top team and lead the national fightback against the virus," Johnson added. Soon after the reports of Johnson tested positive for Covid-19 came to light, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wished the British PM a speedy recovery.

Dear PM @BorisJohnson,

You’re a fighter and you will overcome this challenge as well. Prayers for your good health and best wishes in ensuring a healthy UK. https://t.co/u8VSRqsZeC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2020

Earlier, a 10 Downing Street spokesman had said that Johnson's "symptoms are mild and he will continue to lead the government response to the virus while he self-isolates", the BBC reported. The test was carried out in No 10 Downing Street by National Health Service (NHS) staff and the result of the test was positive. 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, the spokesperson said. So far, over 570 people in the United Kingdom have died after testing positive for Coronavirus and the number of confirmed cases have surged past 11,500. The UK toll is the seventh worst in the world, after Italy, Spain, China, Iran, France and the United States. (With inputs from agencies)