In a video posted on Twitter Friday morning, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that he had "a persistent cough and temperature" – and was tested for COVID-19 on the advice of the chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty. The test returned positive.

The Prime Minister says that he is self-isolating and working from home, and that he will continue to lead the fight against the virus from the safety of his home.

Boris Johnson lives in 10 Downing Street with his pregnant fiancée Ms. Carrie Symonds.

He thanked the NHS for their work, and stressed that staying home was paramount in fighting the virus.

He wrote: "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".