Boris Johnson tests positive for Covid-19

The prime minister, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for coronavirus, the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg reports.

He has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street, and will remain in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis.

According to the Court Circular, the Queen last saw Boris Johnson when he had his weekly audience with her on 11 March. Since then his weekly audience with her has been conducted by telephone.

Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment on whether the Queen, who will be 94 next month, has been tested for Covid-19.

Prince Charles, who last saw his mother in person on 12 March, was tested on Monday and found to have coronavirus.

This is from ITV’s Chris Ship:

nd here is some reaction from fellow politicians, wishing the Prime Minister and his family well following the news that he has tested positive for coronavirus.

From the former foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt

In a video posted on Twitter minutes ago, the prime minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed he had developed mild symptoms – “a temperature and persistent cough” – over the last 24 hours and, on the advice of the chief medical officer, he took a test which returned positive for coronavirus.

Johnson, 55, said he was now self-isolating and working from home. He said thanks to “the wizardry of modern technology” he would continue to lead the national fightback against the virus.

He thanked the NHS and everybody working to keep the country going through the pandemic and remained confident the UK would beat the virus. He reiterated that staying at home was fundamental to stopping the spread of the virus.

He wrote on Twitter:

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

In an effort to avoid a repeat of last weekend, when thousands of tourists descended on the Lake District, Cumbria police have warned people not to travel to the area this weekend as the national park is closed.

Anyone travelling to the Lakes can expect to be stopped and asked if their travel is essential and risk getting fined, the force said.

The force also reiterated in a post on Twitter that daily exercise should take place in your local area around your home, not travelling to a different area by car.

Domino’s sales have jumped in the past week as demand for takeaways has surged with customers in self-isolation during the pandemic.

The pizza business said trading has “accelerated” over the past week despite moving to a delivery-only model.

To address the rise in demand, Domino’s is also looking to hire additional store colleagues and delivery drivers. Details on their website.