Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.
He was tested in Number 10 after experiencing mild symptoms on Thursday of a persistent cough and a high temperature.
UK health secretary Matt Hancock has also tested positive for the virus, while England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty is self-isolating after experiencing symptoms.
In a video message on Twitter, the Prime Minister said: “I am working from home, I am self-isolating and that’s entirely the right thing to do.
“But be in no doubt I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus.”
It comes after his fiancée Carrie Symonds recently announced she was pregnant with the couple’s first child, with pregnant women considered one of the at-risk groups from Covid-19.
The Prime Minister urged everyone to follow the government’s lockdown measures and the guidance to self-isolate if you or anyone in your household experiences symptoms.
Johnson added: “I want to thank everybody who is working to keep our country through this epidemic and we will get through it.
“The way we’re going to get through it is of course by applying the measures you’ve heard so much about.
“The more effectively we all comply with those measures, the faster our country will come through this epidemic and the faster we’ll bounce back.”
A Downing Street spokeswoman said on Friday: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister 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.”
Another member of his government, UK health secretary Matt Hancock, also revealed he had tested positive for Covid-19 – however, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has not shown symptoms and has therefore not been tested.
In a tweet, Hancock said: “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.”
And England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty said: “After experiencing symptoms compatible with Covid-19 last night, in line with the guidance, I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days.
“I will be continuing to advise the government on the medical response to coronavirus, supported by my deputies.”
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said he was sorry to read the news about the PM, adding: “I hope Boris Johnson makes a speedy recovery.
“This sadly shows nobody is immune. Everybody must follow the advise (sic) on social distancing, non essential work must not take place.
“We need to take all measures to isolate if need be.”
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