British PM Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that he is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.

"Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus," he said on Twitter.

Although he is now self isolating, the PM noted that he will "continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus".

PM Johnson tested positive for the virus just two days after the Clarence House confirmed that heir to the British throne Prince Charles was diagnosed with COVID-19.

The 71-year-old, who is reported to remain in good health though he has been displaying mild symptoms, is currently self isolating.

A total of 11,658 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the United Kingdom (UK) so far, with 578 deaths. On Thursday alone, the country recorded 115 deaths which is the highest number of fatalities within a single day as of yet.

The World Health Organization has classified the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 549,305 and claimed over 24,871 lives around the world. However, out of those infected, more than 128,654 have recovered.