British PM Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

File photo taken on Dec. 13, 2019 shows British Prime Minister Boris Johnson posing at 10 Downing Street after his speech in London, Britain. British Prime Minister's Office said on Friday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had tested positive for coronavirus. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister's Office said on Friday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had tested positive for coronavirus.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson, who showed mild symptoms, is self-isolating in Downing Street.

"He is continuing to lead the government's response to coronavirus," the spokesperson said.

"After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty," the spokesperson noted.

In a Twitter entry, Johnson also broke the news, saying that he "will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus."

"Together we will beat this," he added.

There have been more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Britian, and over 570 people have died.

The prime minister was last seen on Thursday night when he clapped outside 10 Downing Street as part of a nationwide gesture to thank the National Health Service staff.