Boris Johnson coronavirus: MPs from all parties send best wishes to PM after testing positive with COVID-19
Political friends and adversaries are wishing Boris Johnson well after he tested positive for coronavirus.
The Prime Minister said he has developed mild symptoms and is self-isolating in Downing Street, while continuing to run the government’s handling of the outbreak.
Just over an hour later, health secretary Matt Hancock also confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19.
The British Prime Minister is the first world leader to test positive for the virus; some other politicians and key figures across the world have been tested.
After Johnson made the announcement through a Twitter video on Friday, a host of MPs wished the prime minister well.
Read more: Health secretary Matt Hancock tests positive for coronavirus
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wished the PM a speedy recovery.
I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery and hope his family are safe and healthy.
Coronavirus can and does affect anyone. Everyone be safe. Our own health depends on everybody else.— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 27, 2020
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Johnson’s former Tory leadership rival, Jeremy Hunt, said the “thoughts and prayers of the whole nation” were with Johnson.
Thoughts and prayers of whole nation with @BorisJohnson having tested positive for coronavirus. We are so grateful for your strong leadership at this time of crisis and know you will back with your trademark optimism before long! Thinking of you and Carrie.
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) March 27, 2020
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon.”
Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon. Thank you for everything your Government is doing to help us fight this.
This is a reminder that anyone can get #COVID19. We must all follow the rules and stay at home to support our amazing NHS staff to save lives. https://t.co/a0lTutUrYK— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 27, 2020
Read more: Britain's Prince Charles tests positive for the coronavirus
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott also wished the PM a speedy recovery, as did Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.
I don't wish anyone ill.
I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery.
I hope everyone in coming days gets the care and medical attention they need https://t.co/anDWB3m1xe— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) March 27, 2020
Wishing @BorisJohnson well and a very rapid recovery.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) March 27, 2020
Labour’s Lucy Powell said Johnson’s diagnoses shows that “in any type of gathering the virus can quickly spread.”
Very high numbers of MPs seem to have had it or have got it now. It shows that in any type of gathering the virus can quickly spread.
Parliament was too slow on this. Anyone at PMQs this week should be extra vigilant.
I wish the PM, and others a speedy recovery. https://t.co/MZQMYJdzCA— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) March 27, 2020
Read more: Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is the first world leader to get COVID-19
In his video statement, Johnson said he had developed a high temperature and persistent cough.
He said: “I’m working from home and 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.
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“I want to thank everybody involved and, of course, our amazing NHS staff.”
Just over an hour later, health secretary Matt Hancock also confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19.
Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus.
I‘ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating.
Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/TguWH6Blij— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 27, 2020
He tweeted: “Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. I‘ve tested positive.
“Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating.
“Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives.”