Boris Johnson Tests Positive for Coronavirus

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 55, has tested positive for Coronavirus. He has mild symptoms and will be self-isolating and working from home.

In a video posted to his social media accounts, Johnson stated that he is running a temperature and has a persistent cough, but will continue to lead Britain through video conference calls. Johnson is the first leader of a Western country to be diagnosed with the disease.

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

British health secretary Matt Hancock has also tested positive for the virus, and reportedly also has mild symptoms. The news comes mere days after Prince Charles was diagnosed as well.

Johnson had previously been more relaxed about the Coronavirus, resisting closing restaurants and schools as other countries had done, but last week imposed the social distancing measures. Many online commenters noted that three weeks ago, Johnson held an address in which he bragged about shaking hands with everyone in a hospital, including Coronavirus patients.

- March 3 , Boris Johnson “I shook hands with everybody you'll be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands."
- March 27: Boris Johnson tests Positive for #COVID19
pic.twitter.com/0Ada6xQ4xa

— Bright Yeboah Taylor (@brightaylor) March 27, 2020

Johnson last met with Queen Elizabeth on March 11th, but the Queen reportedly remains in good health.