News

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson & Health Minister Matt Hancock Test Positive For Coronavirus

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Friday he had tested positive for coronavirus, as did the country’s health minister.

Johnson said in a video posted on social media that he had a temperature and cough, but is healthy enough to lead the country and its response to the pandemic.

“Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus,” he said.


The U.K. has struggled with containing the virus; it currently has over 13,000 active coronavirus cases and over 750 deaths.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

A few hours after the prime minister’s announcement, Health Secretary Matt Hancock also said he had tested positive for the virus and would be self-quarantining for a week.

“Upon medical advice I was tested and that test has been positive so I’ll be self-isolating here until next Thursday,” Hancock said. “Fortunately for me the symptoms so far have been very mild so I’ve been able to carry on with the work, driving forward the U.K.’s response.”


Johnson will be self-isolating in No. 11 Downing Street for seven days. Government documents and meals will be delivered to his door, and the office is equipped with video conferencing software.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Katherine Huggins

Recent Posts

Federal Trade Commission Votes To Ban Noncompete Agreements

On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned noncompete agreements in a 3-2 vote. The…

1 day ago

California Bill Would Prevent CLEAR Passengers From Line-Jumping At Airports

A proposed bill in California would prohibit security screening company CLEAR from skipping the general…

2 days ago

Supreme Court Seems Receptive To Laws That Allow Restrictions On Homeless

On Monday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments over a challenge to a law allowing…

3 days ago

Arizona Republicans Block Bill To Repeal Abortion Ban On State House Floor

The Arizona House of Representatives failed to advance a repeal of the state's 160-year-old abortion…

4 days ago

After Oregon Recriminalizes Drug Possession, What’s Next For The State’s Drug Policy

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed a bill restoring criminal charges in cases of hard drug possession.…

1 week ago

Biden’s New Regulation Will Limit Toxic Chemicals In Drinking Water Across The Country

President Joe Biden's administration announced the first-ever national limits on toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water. This…

1 week ago