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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for virus

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons for his weekly Prime Ministers Questions, in London, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

LONDON (AP/TEGNA) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Johnson's office says he was tested after showing mild symptoms.

Johnson shared the news on Twitter Friday morning.


"Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus," he wrote. "I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus."

In the video, Boris praised the "amazing national effort by public services" and the national effort by the British public volunteering to fight the virus.

"I want to thank everybody who's working to keep our country going through this epidemic. And we will get through it."

Johnson continued to encourage the British public to stay home and practice social distancing, using his hashtag #StayHomeSaveLives​.

Downing St. said Johnson is self-isolating and continuing to lead the country's response to COVID-19.

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