UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19, Mr Johnson himself confirmed in a social media announcement.
The UK kingdom is currently on lockdown as it fights the spread of the virus. It has registered 11,658 known cases and 578 deaths.
In an announcement made to social media, Mr Johnson 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”
The UK Government has previously been criticised for doing little against the virus, and for a taking a ‘herd immunity’ approach, before announcing a lockdown as it struggled to contain the spread.