UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus, is experiencing 'mild symptoms' - CNBC

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves Downing Street on his way to Buckingham Palace after the general election in London, Britain, December 13, 2019.

Thomas Mukoya | Reuters

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed Friday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first major world leader known to have contracted the disease.

Johnson, 55, said in a video posted to Twitter that he had developed "a temperature and a persistent cough," and that he would self-isolate at home.

"But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team, to lead the national fight back against coronavirus," Johnson said.

Johnson was tested for COVID-19 on Thursday on the advice of England's chief medical officer after experiencing "mild symptoms" of the virus, a spokesman for No. 10 Downing Street confirmed in a statement.

"The test was carried out in No 10 by [National Health Service] staff and the result of the test was positive," the spokesman said. "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 spokesman said.

Johnson's diagnosis offers one of the most potent examples yet of how the deadly and highly transmissible coronavirus has permeated life around the world and at every level of society.

The virus, which is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has quickly spread to more than 150 countries.

More than 533,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, including at least 24,082 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.

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2020-03-27 11:48:27Z
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