British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and is in isolation.
“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,” he said in a tweet.
Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020
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 pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri
Johnson has become one of the most high-profile leaders to have tested positive for the coronavirus, which has so far claimed more than 21,000 lives around the world. Prince Charles, eldest son and heir to Queen Elizabeth II, also tested positive and is showing mild symptoms but “otherwise remains in good health”, his office had said earlier this week.
Swedish climate activist Thunberg on Tuesday said it was “extremely likely” she had contracted the virus after experiencing symptoms following a trip to central Europe.
Prince Albert II of Monaco has tested positive, although there are “no concerns for his health”, the palace said on March 19.
Michel Barnier, who leads the European Union’s negotiations with Britain on Brexit, announced on March 19 that he had tested positive.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been in isolation since March 13 after his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau tested positive.
The first test result for German Chancellor Angela Merkel came back negative on Monday. Merkel began self-isolating on Sunday after being treated by a doctor who later tested positive for the virus.
On Tuesday Finland said Nobel laureate and former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, aged 82, has contracted the virus.