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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in Downing Street.

As he announced the diagnosis in a video message, he said: "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."

A Downing Street spokeswoman said he developed mild symptoms yesterday, which prompted him to be tested on the advice of Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.

“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive," she said.

“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street.

“He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”

It was later confirmed he is staying in a flat above 11 Downing Street. Number 11 will serve at present as his home and office.

The PM's spokesman later outline when Mr Johnson was tested.

He said the Prime Minister had mild symptoms on Thursday afternoon and received the test results at midnight.

Sof far there have been at least 11,658 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the UK

Of those diagnosed, at least 578 have died.

There are around 4,300 people in hospital having contracted it in the UK at the moment.

The Prime Minister reiterated his calls for people to follow Government guidelines on social distancing, while he thanked key workers including NHS and care staff for their work in the outbreak.

"We will get through it and the way we're going to get through it is of course by applying the measures you've heard so much about," he said.

"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."

In a further rallying call he said: "We're going to beat it and we're going to beat it together.

"Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."

Listen to today's episode of The Leader podcast:

People have been advised to stay home as much as possible, while establishments such as pubs, restaurants and shops selling non-essential products have also been closed.

The guidance is now to only travel if it is essential for work, with those who can do their jobs from home advised to do so.

The public has also been told to limit outgoings to shopping for essentials and for exercise once per day.