British PM Boris Johnson tests positive for Covid-19, goes into self-isolation

The British Prime Minister is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus. In a video posted on Twitter, Boris Johnson said: “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.”

Boris Johnson confirmed he was in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus from 10 Downing Street on 27 March 2020. © REUTERS / Leon Neal

Johnson's announcement was followed swiftly by news that Health secretary Matt Hancock has also tested positive for the virus. As of early Fridan evening, there were 11,658 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK and 769 people have died.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, from the opposition Labour Party, was among senior politicians that sent positive messages to . Johnson, tweeting:"Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon. Thank you for everything your government is doing to fight this.”

Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon. Thank you for everything your Government is doing to help us fight this.

This is a reminder that anyone can get #COVID19. We must all follow the rules and stay at home to support our amazing NHS staff to save lives. https://t.co/a0lTutUrYK

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 27, 2020

However, Johnson’s government has come under criticism both at home and abroad for a perceived slow response to the outbreak. In contrast to many other EU member states, the UK has been late to adopt restrictions on movement to halt the spread of Covid-19. Schools, bars and restaurants were closed on Friday 20 March. The country officially went into lockdown on Tuesday 24 March.

At a press conference at the beginning of the month, when the UK had just 51 confirmed cases while 79 had already died in Italy, Johnson boasted of shaking hands with coronavirus patients.

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

French officials last week told the Politico website that President Emmanuel Macron of France had threatened to close their border to the UK if London did not adopt more stringent measures.

Editor of the medical journal The Lancet last week tweeted: “What is happening in Italy is real and taking place now. Our government is not preparing us for that reality. We need immediate and assertive social distancing and closure policies.” 

The UK’s relatively relaxed initial approach seemed to be linked to a controversial ‘herd immunity’ strategy embraced by some government scientists. The theory suggests that the virus should be allowed to pass through most of the population, excluding the old and vulnerable, to build up immunity in the population and limit its impact if it should reappear.

The idea was silently abandoned after a study by Imperial College London showed that such a strategy would shortly overwhelm the health service.

On Monday evening, in a televised statement watched by more than 27 million people, Johnson announced new strict conditions. People in the UK can only leave their house for a medical need, to buy essential items, exercise once a day and travel for work ‘where absolutely necessary’.

On Thursday the office of Prince Charles, the first in line to the British throne, confirmed that he had also tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms.