Science
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock
- UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock tests positive for the coronavirus.
- Hancock announced the news on Friday just hours after Boris Johnson announced that he had also caught the virus.
- Both said they had mild symptoms and would be self-isolating for seven days.
- Here's what happens if Boris Johnson becomes too ill to remain prime minister.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Hancock announced the news on Twitter on Friday, just a couple of hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that he had also tested positive for the virus.
It means the two members of the UK government leading the fight against the virus now both have the COVID-19 disease.
Hancock said he was suffering from "very mild symptoms" of COVID-19 and was self-isolating for seven days.
"Fortunately for me the symptoms so far have been very mild so I've been able to carry on with the work driving forward the UK response," the Conservative MP said in a video announcement.
Hancock was set to deliver the UK government's daily press conference on the coronavirus on Friday before announcing that he had caught the illness. Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is expected to represent the government in his place.
Watch Hancock reveal that he has tested positive for the virus:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday morning announced that he had also experienced "mild symptoms" of the COVID-19 disease and would continue to lead the UK government's response to the crisis.
A spokesperson for Johnson said the prime minister began to experience a cough and temperature on Thursday afternoon and was confirmed to have tested positive for the virus by midnight.
Follow the latest news in the UK as Johnson's government combats the coronavirus.
Get the latest coronavirus analysis and research from Business Insider Intelligence on how COVID-19 is impacting businesses.
Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus.
I've tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I'm working from home & self-isolating.
Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/TguWH6Blij
- Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 27, 2020