Britain's Johnson in self-isolation; has no COVID-19 symptoms
In this handout photo provided by UK Parliament, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons in London, on Nov 11, 2020. (Photo: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament via AP)
LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is self-isolating after being told he came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday (Nov 15).
“He will carry on working from Downing Street, including on leading the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic,” a statement from his office said.
Johnson "is well and does not have any symptoms of COVID-19," it added.
Johnson met with a small group of lawmakers for about half an hour on Thursday, including one who subsequently developed coronavirus symptoms and tested positive.
He was notified by the National Health Service's Test and Trace system on Sunday and told he should self-isolate because of factors including the length of the meeting.
Officials said they will discuss with parliamentary authorities how Johnson can take part remotely in Parliament's business. He plans to “continue speaking to the country during his self-isolation period,” they added.
The statement didn't say how long Johnson plans to isolate, but UK health authorities' guidance is that anyone contacted by Test and Trace should quarantine for 14 days.
In April, Johnson was hospitalised in intensive care after contracting the coronavirus.
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