In yet another major development from the United Kingdom, Health Minister Matt Hancock has tested positive for COVID-19. Hancock took to Twitter to share the unfortunate news via a video post.
"I have 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," he wrote as the caption.
Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 27, 2020
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
The announcement by Hancock comes less than two hours after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed that he has contracted the fatal disease.
Wishes poured in for speedy recovery of the health minister
Several UK MPs and renowned personalities from around the globe extended their best wishes to the Health Minister.
Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central replied "get well soon" to Hancock's Twitter post. British businessman and former politician Richard Tice thanked him for his efforts to contain COVID-19 in the UK and hoped for his quick recovery.
Liz Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, wrote, "Hope you get well soon, Matt."
You're a fighter: PM Modi's get-well-soon tweet to Boris Johnson
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished good health to his British counterpart Boris Johnson after he was diagnosed with the fatal disease.
"Dear PM @BorisJohnson, You're a fighter and you will overcome this challenge as well. Prayers for your good health and best wishes in ensuring a healthy UK," wrote PM Modi.
Dear PM @BorisJohnson,
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2020
You’re a fighter and you will overcome this challenge as well.
Prayers for your good health and best wishes in ensuring a healthy UK. https://t.co/u8VSRqsZeC
COVID-19 hasn't spared influential personalities
Earlier this week, Britain's Prince Charles contracted COVID-19 after 'displaying mild symptoms' for a few days. The 71-year-old Prince has gone into self-isolation since then.
Nadine Dorries, an under-secretary in the UK Health Department, had also tested positive and is now under quarantine. Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator is also infected by the novel coronavirus.
Carmen Calvo, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister is also COVID-19 positive. Rand Paul, the Republican of Kentucky is the first United States senator to get infected.
Several other leaders who are currently self-isolating themselves include Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his COVID-19 positive wife, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
As of now, the UK has more than 11,000 COVID-19 patients and has reported over 500 coronavirus-related deaths till yet.