British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus,” Johnson tweeted, adding, “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.”
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
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
He continued on to thank those on the front lines fighting the coronavirus in a video posted along with the tweet.
“It’s police, social care workers, teachers, everybody who works in schools. … an amazing national effort by the public services,” Johnson said, adding, “But also by every member of the British public.”
Johnson went on to encourage citizens to follow guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“The more effectively we all comply with those measures, the faster our country will come through this epidemic and the faster we’ll bounce back,” Johnson said.
He closed the video by thanking those practicing self-guaranteeing and working from home.
Other government officials have been tested for the coronavirus, including President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence.
Pence and his wife both tested negative. President Trump and his wife also tested negative, as IJR reported.
There are a few lawmakers who have tested positive for the virus, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), and Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Ut.) as IJR also reported.
Others have chosen to self-quarantine out of caution, including Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) after reportedly having contact with Paul.
Some senators have self-quarantined in the past but have since been back to normal including Republicans Cory Gardner, Lindsey Graham, Rick Scott, and Ted Cruz.
A few Democratic House members have also been tested for the coronavirus after experiencing symptoms, including Seth Moulton and Ayanna Pressley and Katie Porter.