By Health Secretary Matt Hancock tests positive for Covid-19
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has tested positive for Covid-19. This follows earlier reports that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also tested positive; he says he has a temperature and a persistent cough.
Both are now self isolating at home, and have minor symptoms.
“Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus.
I‘ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating.
Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives#StayHomeSaveLives”
The UK government has been repeatedly criticised for its lack of community testing. The UK has over 11,658 confirmed cases of Covid-19, but the true number is thought to be significantly higher.
The prime minster 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.”
A Downing Street spokesperson said that Mr Johnson had been tested in accordance with the advice of the UK government’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.
He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”
Jeremy Hunt responded to Johnson’s positive test by stating:
“We are so grateful to you for your strong leadership at this time of crisis.”
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