Coronavirus attacks the heart of government as Matt Hancock tests positive for the virus

The UK health secretary Matt Hancock says he has symptoms of coronavirus and tests have confirmed that he has the virus.

Hours after prime minster Boris Johnson confirmed he had tested positive for coronavirus another of his key ministers has tested positive for the virus today. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has issued a statement that he has symptoms of the virus and he tested positive when medical staff examined him.

Mr Hancock tweeted:

“Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. I’ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home and self-isolating. Vital we follow the advice to protect our NHS and save lives.”

Mr Hancock released a video message in which he said:

“Fortunately for me the symptoms so far have been very mild so I’ve been able to carry on with the work driving forward the UK response.”

He also added:

“A massive thank you to everybody in the NHS, working in social care and right across the board on the response.

“I’ll be continuing to do everything I can to get our carers the support that they need. And I’ll be doing that from here but with no less gusto.

“And then from next Thursday, once I’m out of self-isolation and I hope with no more symptoms, then I’ll be able to get back stuck in and into the office where necessary.”

For more information on coronavirus and the government’s official response, click here.