UK's Johnson, Hancock test positive for Covid-19;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock have both tested positive for the coronavirus.

The prime minister said on Friday he had mild symptoms and would self-isolate in Downing Street, but would continue to lead the government’s response to coronavirus crisis.

“I am working from home, I’m self isolating, and that’s entirely the right thing to do,” he said. “But be in no doubt that I can continue… to communicate with all my top team and lead the national fightback against coronavirus.”

Johnson had attracted criticism for publicly stating he had been shaking hands with patients on hospital visits, contrary to advice at the time.

A Downing Street spokeswoman 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 test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive."

Hancock said he had been working from home in recent days and had mild symptoms of the coronavirus and was tested on medical advice and would be self-isolating until next Thursday.