Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.
The prime minster tweeted a video message confirming he had Covid-19, adding: “Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.”
Mr Johnson will now self-isolate in Downing Street, however he will remain in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.
He is thought to be the first world leader to announce they have the virus.
A spokesperson for No 10 said: “He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty.”
The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.”
“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street.”
Following Mr Johnson’s announcement, Health Secretary Matt Hancock also said he had tested positive for the virus.
Mr Hancock said his symptoms were also mild and he was working from home and self-isolating.
It comes as another 181 people died with the virus in a day, latest government figures reveal.
It takes the total number of UK deaths to 759, with 14,579 confirmed cases.
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