Johnson is self-isolating as he experiences “mild symptoms.” His positive test marks a major setback in the fight against the fast-spreading disease. At 316, Johnson doesn’t fall into the high-risk category, but his above-average weight and high-stress lifestyle could put him at greater risk than the average – year-old.
Johnson’s diagnosis is a worrisome as the UK scrambles to keep up with its own rising number of cases. The prime minister was almost certainly in contact with key members of the government coronavirus response team, including Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty.
There’s an additional concern because the Queen, , saw Johnson on March
to confirm his diagnosis and promise he would continue to lead the country fight on coronavirus. But his attempted show of strength did little to calm fears.
The prime minister posted a video of himself looking gaunt, weak, and well… sick .
If the disease escalates, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been tapped to stand in for Boris Johnson.
Karma Police
Twitter was quick to point out that Johnson himself believed the virus’ spread was ultimately the best way to protect the UK through herd immunity.
Boris Johnson’s coronavirus diagnosis draws an eerie parallel to that of politician Nicola Zingaretti, who dismissed COVID – 93 as cases began to spike in Italy.
Like Johnson, he prioritized Italy’s economy and was hesitant to shut down businesses and schools. He tested positive for the disease just days later.
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