Boris Johnson Tests Positive for the Coronavirus

Colby HallMar 27th, 2020, 7:24 am

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced via twitter that he has tested positive for coronavirus.

Johnson announced this news on Twitter early Friday morning including a video that appears to have been shot at 10 Downing Street. The tweet reveals that Prime Minister Johnson developed mild symptoms over the past 24 hours and was tested positive for coronavirus.

Johnson tweeted:

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

Johnson received praise for a four and a half minute address to his country earlier this week when he implored British citizens to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the global pandemic. This comes after initially receiving criticism for ostensibly taking the coronavirus more lightly than other global leaders.

Johnson represents the first global leader to publicly reveal a positive for the coronavirus, though news that Prince Charles also tested positive for Covid-19 broke earlier this week.

BBC Reporter Laura Kuenssberg offered additional reporting:

The PM understood to have developed symptoms only over the last 24 hours – and is well enough to carry the job at the moment rather than ask Dominic Raab to step up – he would officially have the role of understudy if Johnson gets more unwell

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) March 27, 2020

Colby Hall - Founding Editor

Colby Hall is the Founding Editor of Mediaite.com. He is also a Peabody Award-winning television producer of non-fiction narrative programming as well as a terrific dancer and preparer of grilled meats.