UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tests Positive for CCP Virus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the telephone to Queen Elizabeth II for her Weekly Audience during the CCP virus pandemic at 10 Downing Street in London on March 25, 2020. Andrew Parsons-WPA Pool/Getty Images

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the CCP virus, the government announced.

Johnson is showing mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street, he said.

“He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty,” a statement said.

Johnson will still be in charge of the government during the response to the new virus.

The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic.

Johnson told followers on social media that he developed mild symptoms over the last 24 hours and then tested positive for the new illness. The symptoms included an elevated temperature and a persistent cough.

“I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video conference as we fight this virus,” he said.

“Together we will beat this.”

He urged people to stay at home as a way to stem the spread of the virus.

Johnson last week effectively closed down the country, ordering many stores to close.

“I do accept that what we’re doing is extraordinary: we’re taking away the ancient, inalienable right of free-born people of the United Kingdom to go to the pub, and I can understand how people feel about that,” Johnson said. “It’s a huge wrench.”

Shoppers observe social distancing as they wait in line outside a supermarket in Walthamstow, east London, on March 27, 2020. Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

Police in the United Kingdom received enhanced powers this week to crack down on people violating the new order.

Officers may arrest people in violation, the Home Office announced.

The United Kingdom reached 11,800 infections on March 27, including 580 deaths. A number of patients have already recovered.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced Thursday night a raft of measures aimed at supporting businesses amid the lockdown.

The government is offering income support to self-employed persons, an interruption of loan paybacks to all businesses, and funds to employers who are continuing to pay employees.