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How will Boris Johnson run the government from isolation?

After testing positive for coronavirus, the prime minister has turned to videoconferencing to help him govern while quarantined in No 11, writes John Rentoul

Saturday 28 March 2020 01:14 GMT
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The prime minister speaks to the Queen during their weekly audience on Wednesday
The prime minister speaks to the Queen during their weekly audience on Wednesday

We have been told that the prime minister will be self-isolating for seven days in his flat, which is the larger one above 11 Downing Street – Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, uses the smaller one at the top of No 10. Boris Johnson’s food will be left on a tray outside his internal door.

He had mild symptoms of coronavirus on Thursday afternoon, was tested on the advice of Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, and had the positive result at midnight.

On Friday morning he recorded a video in the flat announcing the news. Thus confirming that he is able, through what he called the “wizardry of modern technology”, to keep in touch with the outside world.

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