The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19.
Mr Johnson announced on twitter this morning that after developing mild symptoms of a fever and a persistent cough, he tested positive for the virus.
The Prime Minister says he fully intends to continue to lead the country and head up the fightback against the epidemic while in isolation in his home at 10 Downing Street.
If the Prime Minister falls ill to the point that he cannot continue with his functions in the role, Mr Johnson will have to step away from his position for a time.
The system in place in the UK means that if the Prime Minister is taken out of action by an illness, his duties are picked up by what is known as a 'designated survivor.'
The government's current designated survivor currently is Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab.
It is thought Mr Raab is already taking on some of the duties Mr Johnson cannot complete while isolating and will take over fully if the Prime Minister becomes too unwell to work.
Should others isolate?
There will now of course be concerns surrounding Mr Johnson's pregnant partner Carrie Symonds, although she has not been living with him at Downing Street of late.
Some are also now asking whether the likes of the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and top medical advisers Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance should also now isolate and be tested having spent time with the Prime Minister recently.
Johnson to continue for now
In a video posted on Twitter, Mr Johnson made it clear he intends to continue to lead the country while his symptoms remain mild
He said: "I have developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus, that's to say a temperature and a persistent cough.
"On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer I have taken a test, that has come out positive so I am working from home, I'm 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 all my top team to lead the national fightback against the coronavirus."
He went on to thank the NHS, police, social care workers and teachers and described the response of British people to the virus pandemic as 'incredible.'
He added: "I want to thank everyone who is helping our country to get through this epidemic - and we will get through it."
We are expecting more details on the unfolding situation in a press conference shortly, follow updates here.
