Johnson’s statement on testing positive for coronavirus
In a video message today, prime minister Boris Johnson said:
“Hi folks.
I want to bring you up to speed on something that’s happening today which is that I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus. That’s to say – a temperature and a persistent cough.
“And, on the advice of the chief medical officer, I’ve taken a test. That has come out positive.
“So I am working from 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.
“And I want to thank everybody who’s involved, I want to thank, above all, our amazing NHS staff. It was very moving last night to join in that national clap for the NHS.
“But it’s not just the NHS, it’s our police, our social care workers, teachers, everybody who works in schools, DWP staff.
“An amazing national effort by the public services. But also by every member of the British public who’s volunteering, an incredible response – 600,000 people have volunteered to take part in a great national effort to protect people from the consequences of coronavirus – I want to thank you.
“I want to thank everybody who’s working to keep our country going through this epidemic.
“And we will get through it.
“And the way we’re going to get through it is, of course, by applying the measures that you’ll have heard so much about.
“And the more effectively we all comply with those measures, the faster our country will come through this epidemic and the faster we’ll bounce back.
“So thank you to everybody who’s doing what I’m doing, working from home, to stop the spread of the virus from household to household.
“That’s the way we’re going to win, we’re going to beat it, and we’re going to beat it together.
“Stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”
Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus
UK prime minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating.
Johnson revealed on Twitter today that he has mild symptoms of the illness but continues to lead the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak.
The prime minister tweeted: “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”
Source: Twitter
A full statement from the prime minister can be found here.
FTSE and Europe down on Friday
As the reality of the coronavirus settles in and realisation that the current lock-down is likely to last several weeks, the European equities rally at the start of this week has dissipated.
The FTSE 100 fell to 2.7 per cent at the open before extending it loss to 3.74 per cent at 5,597.31 points by 09:45.
European markets fell in early trading with the French CAC 40 falling 2.92 per cent, the German DAX down 1.91 per cent and Spain’s IBEX 35 down 2.61 per cent.
Yesterday’s TN Live Blog
Bank of England holds policy after emergency stimulus measures