The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus. 

Posting on Twitter on Friday, he said: "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."

Explaining in a video, the Prime Minister said he had experienced a temperature and persistant cough and took a test on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, which came out positive.

Mr Johnson is now working from home and self-isolating but will continue to lead the Government's 'national fight back' via video link.

He said: "I want to thank everyone who has been involved and 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 and everyone who works in schools and DWP staff."

He also thanked every member of the British public, especially the 600,000 people who had volunteered to help during the coronavirus crisis.

He continued: "We will get through it, by applying the measures you have heard so much about.

"The more effectively we all comply with those measures the faster our country will come through this epidemic and the faster we will bounce back.

"We are going to beat it and we are going to beat it together. Stay at home. Protect the NHS and save lives."