THE Prime Minister has tested positive for coronavirus.

In a message on his Twitter account this morning, Boris Johnson said he has developed mild symptoms of Covid-19 and is self-isolating.

He said: "I have a temperature and a mild cough.

"I'm working from home and self-isolating and that's entirely the right thing to do. 

"But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with my top team to lead the national fightback against the coronavirus."

The Prime Minister also thanked NHS staff and public sector workers in his Twitter video, and said it was "very moving" to take part in the Clap for Carers event last night, when people took to their windows to applaud healthcare workers across the country.

He added: "We will get through this epidemic, and the way we will get through it is by complying with the measures you will have heard so much about.

"The more effectively we all comply with those measures, the faster we will bounce back.

"We are going to beat it, and beat it together. Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."

Brighton and Hove Conservative Party Leader Steve Bell said the fact that the Prime Minister had contracted the virus should send "a very strong message" that anyone can catch it.

Cllr Bell said: "I think there's a very strong message from this news to those people who continue to ignore the strong advice from health authorities to stay at home.

"Anyone can catch the coronavirus. The Prime Minister has been social distancing but he has caught it. 

"Prince Charles has been as protected as possible being heir to the throne, but even he's caught the virus.

"It just strengthens the message to people that this can happen to anyone and we need to stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives."