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CoronavirusQueen Elizabeth II

Buckingham Palace issues update on The Queen’s health

Following the news that Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace has issued a brief update on The Queen’s health.

A palace spokesperson said that the 93-year-old monarch “remains in good health”.

The palace added that Her Majesty last saw the Prime Minister on March 11 – a day before she last saw the Prince of Wales who also has coronavirus.

This means Mr Johnson was not infectious when he last saw The Queen.

In full, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health. The Queen last saw the PM on the 11th March and is following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare. We will not be commenting further.“

The Prime Minister tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday morning.

Mr Johnson is now self-isolating in Downing Street while he recovers from the highly infectious disease.

Several members of Downing Street staff have also been quarantined.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.

“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive.

“In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street.

“He is continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.”

If Mr Johnson becomes more unwell over the coming days, it is expected that Dominic Raab will temporarily carry out the functions of Prime Minister.

In a tweet, Mr Johnson said: “Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.

“Together we will beat this.”

So far in the UK, there are more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 578 people dying from the disease.