British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for novel coronavirus, he announced on Friday, noting that he experienced mild symptoms of the disease, also known as COVID-9.

In a tweet, the PM wrote that he was self-isolating, but promised that he would “continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight the virus.”

“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus, that is 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,” Johnson explained in a video accompanying his tweet.

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 pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri

— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020

Johnson praised the National Health Service, police, social care workers, teachers and others for an “amazing national effort” in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked the 600,000 people who’ve volunteered to assist.

Buckingham Palace announced later Friday that Queen Elizabeth II had last met with the prime minister on March 11, and that she has been taking “all the appropriate advice” regarding her own personal safety and welfare.

Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and went into isolation at his palace in Scotland. Charles was said to have last seen the Queen on March 12.

Source: Agencies