UK coronavirus: Matt Hancock tests positive
Health secretary Matt Hancock has tested positive for coronavirus, Downing Street has said, just an hour after Prime Minister Boris Johnson also revealed a positive diagnosis.
The minister, responsible for coordinating the NHS response to the UK coronavirus outbreak, said he has had only mild symptoms. He will self-isolate until next Thursday, when he will return to work.
urging people to work from home, Matt Hancock told Twitter followers: “I’ve also had some mild symptoms of coronavirus and upon medical advice I was tested and that test has been positive. So i will be self-isolating here until next Thursday. for”
Matt Hancock has ‘mild’ coronavirus symptoms
In a video message, Matt Hancock added: “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 UK response.
He also offered a “massive thank you to everybody in the NHS, working in social care and right across the board on the response”.
“I’ll be continuing to do everything I can to get our carers the support that they need. And I’ll be doing that from here but with no less gusto,” Hancock said.
“And then from next Thursday, once I’m out of self-isolation and I hope with no more symptoms, then I’ll be able to get back stuck in and into the office where necessary.”
Hancock’s diagnosis follows Prime Minister Johnson revealing he too has tested positive for coronavirus.
Johnson said he is self-isolating for seven days. Staff are preparing meals for him to eat alone and he will not deliver today’s daily UK coronavirus briefing.
“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus, that’s to say a temperature and a persistent cough,” Johnson said today.
“And on the advice of chief medical officer I’ve taken the test. That has come out positive so I am working form home, I’m self-isolating.
“And that’s entirely the right thing to do. but 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 fightback against coronavirus.”
Johnson self-isolating above 11 Downing Street
Johnson remains in charge of the UK’s coronavirus response. He is now isolated in the flat above 11 Downing Street, which has been sealed off. Staff are leaving meals and work at the door of the flat.
Symonds is also self-isolating. Pregnant women are in an at-risk category from coronavirus.
And Johnson’s spokesman has told media that any staff that do have contact with the PM will remain two metres apart.
It is not clear if politicians who have been in contact with Johnson are now self-isolating.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly feeling well and has not been tested for Covid-19.
The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has tested positive for coronavirus. And Prince Charles has also tested positive.
Politicians wish PM speedy recovery
Politicians offered messages of support for the Prime Minister following his diagnosis.
Labour shadow home secretary Diane Abbott wished him a “speedy recovery”.
And mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon. Thank you for everything your government is doing to helpo us fight this.”
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, said Hancock and Johnson’s diagnoses “sadly shows nobody is immune”.