Boris and Hancock have coronavirus and now Chief Medical Officer has symptoms too

Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have both tested positive for coronavirus today and now Chief Medical Officer Chris Whity has symptoms too.

The Prime Minister, 55, was tested after experiencing mild symptoms of a cough and fever yesterday afternoon and will remain in self-isolation in his No.11 flat for at least seven days.

England’s top doctor Chris Whitty is also suffering from symptoms.

Credit: Press Association

Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, he announced today. Credit: Reuters

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, also has tested positive for the virus

He’s believed to be the first world leader to get the virus and found out his diagnosis late last night.

And the Health Secretary, 41, announced just hours later that he has it too.

This afternoon Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said he has been suffering symptoms too and would self-isolate as a precaution.

It’s not clear if he’s being tested too.

After experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 last night, in line with the guidance, I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days.



I will be continuing to advise the Government on the medical response to Coronavirus, supported by my deputies. — Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) March 27, 2020

Boris Johnson said in a video this morning – I have developed minor symptoms of the coronavirus, a temperature, and a persistent cough and on the advice of the chief medical officer I have taken a test. That has come out positive.

I am working from home, I am self-isolating, and that is entirely the right thing to do.

“I want to thank above all our NHS staff”.

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It was very moving last night to join the national clap, but it’s not just the NHS, it’s our police our social care workers, teachers, everybody who works in schools, DWP staff.

Mr. Hancock added – Following medical advice, I was advised to test for coronavirus

I have tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home and self-isolating.

Mr. Hancock first developed symptoms on Wednesday after addressing the nation at a press conference on Tuesday alongside Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jenny Davies, and National Medical Director at NHS England Stephen Powis.

Michael Gove told today’s Downing Street briefing – The fact that the PM and Health Secretary have contracted the virus is a reminder that the virus does not discriminate.



We are all at risk and that’s why it’s important we use social distancing measures.

Jenny Harries deputy chief medical officer said the PM was tested because he is central to the fight against coronavirus.

She said – The PM plays a very critical role in that and that was the basis for the testing.

He will continue to lead the fight against the virus from his No.11 bunker, Mr. Gove said earlier.

But Boris will have to self-isolate for at least 14 days from his girlfriend and fiance, Carrie Symonds, 32, who is currently pregnant and in the more vulnerable category.

It’s understood she left No.11 a couple of days ago and is thought to be in the couple’s Camberwell flat.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the news, saying – After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.

The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.



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

At the moment the PM will continue to work, but it may mean that Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, will have to take over duties if the PM becomes more ill.

The news comes just weeks after Boris said that he was continuing to shake hands with everyone, despite the risk of the virus spreading.

This morning a string of politicians – including Jeremy Corbyn sent their best wishes to the PM and hoped he had a speedy recovery.

The Labour boss said – I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery and hope his family is safe and healthy.

Coronavirus can and does affect anyone. Everyone be safe. Our own health depends on everybody else.