LONDON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister's Office said on Friday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson, who showed mild symptoms, is self-isolating in Downing Street.

"He is continuing to lead the government's response to coronavirus," the 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 spokesperson noted.

In a video in his latest Twitter entry, Johnson also broke the news, saying that he "will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus."

"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 coronavirus," he reassured.

"I want to thank everybody involved and, of course, our amazing NHS (National Health Service) staff," he said, adding "Together we will beat this."

There have been more than 11,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Britain, and over 570 people have died.

The prime minister was last seen on Thursday night when he clapped outside 10 Downing Street as part of a nationwide gesture to thank NHS staff.

The latest development came days after the Prince of Wales was tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The 71-year-old remains in good health, according to authorities.