UK PM Boris Johnson self-isolates again after COVID-19 exposure

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is self-isolating after someone he was in contact with tested positive for the coronavirus, a spokesman said Sunday.

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London, First Published Nov 16, 2020, 9:46 AM IST | Last Updated Nov 16, 2020, 9:46 AM IST

London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who battled a coronavirus infection in intensive care earlier this year, is in self-isolation after having been exposed to the virus again, officials said Sunday.

In a statement, No. 10 Downing Street said Johnson wasn't experiencing symptoms but would follow guidance from Britain's National Health Service, which recommends self-isolation after prolonged exposure to someone who has the virus.

"He will carry on working from Downing Street, including on leading the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic," the statement said.

Johnson met with Lee Anderson, a member of Parliament, on Thursday. Anderson developed symptoms after the meeting and later tested positive for the coronavirus.

According to a BBC report, in a WhatsApp message to Tory MPs seen by the BBC the PM added: "The good news is that NHS Test and Trace continues to improve. The bad news is that I have been pinged!"

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He said that he would observe self-isolation rules despite "following the guidance and socially distancing" during his meeting with Mr Anderson.

"It doesn't matter that I feel fine - better than ever - or that my body is bursting with antibodies because I have already had the damn thing," he added.

"The rules are the rules and they are there to stop the spread of the disease."

Downing Street has not said how long Johnson will be in isolation for. However, the UK National Health Service rules state individuals should isolate for 14 days.

The PM intends to address the country during his confinement, Downing Street said.

In April, Johnson spent three nights in intensive care after falling ill with the virus. He later said it "could have gone either way" and thanked healthcare workers for saving his life.

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