Boris Johnson tells Brits ‘we will do this together’ in first self-isolation video since announcing he has coronavirus – The Sun

BORIS Johnson tonight vowed "we will do this together" in his first self-isolation video since announcing he had tested positive for coronavirus.

The Prime Minister issued a rallying cry in a short video on Twitter expressing his gratitude to the nation and hero NHS workers on the frontline.

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Mr Johnson, who appeared well dressed in a smart suit, said: "Our policy remains unchanged…that is to delay the spread of the disease so as to reduce the pressure on the NHS, reduce the demand on the NHS at that critical peak moment and that's how we aim to save many thousands of lives.

"I want to thank everybody who has been complying with our instructions to stay at home."

And he passionately declared: "We are going to do it. We are going to do it together.

"I think one thing coronavirus crisis has proved is that there is such a thing as society so thank you to all of you and remember, stay at home.

"Protect our NHS and save lives."

Mr Johnson also gave thanks to the army of over 750,000 coronavirus volunteers who have signed up to help NHS workers in an incredible display of public spirit.

And he revealed 20,000 hero former NHS staff have also returned to the service to join the fight against the deadly disease.

The PM added: "Thank you to everybody who's now coming back into the NHS in such huge numbers.

"Just this evening I can tell you we have 20,000 NHS staff coming back to the colours.

"It's a most amazing thing. And that's in addition to the 750,000 members of the public who have volunteered to help us get through this crisis."

The PM said there had been "massive falls" in train and bus use since the coornavirus lockdown urged Brits to only travel when it is essential.

He said people were "really trying" to work from home when possible, which would "save the NHS and save lives".

The Prime Minister is self-isolating in a flat at No11 while battling the killer bug as pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds stays at her Camberwell home.

Mr Johnson announced he had coronavirus – with Health Secretary Matt Hancock later revealing he had also tested positive for the disease.

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His comments come as the death toll in the UK today rose to to 1,228 after 209 more deaths were announced.

There are currently 19,522 people in Britain who have tested positive for Covid-19.

Last night, Mr Johnson warned things would "get worse before they get better," suggesting tougher lockdown measures will be enforced if needed.

In a letter being sent out to British households this week, the PM writes: “It’s important for me to level with you — we know things will get worse before they get better."

He adds: "We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do.”

The UK's coronavirus restrictions could now last for six months, the deputy chief medical officer has warned.

Dr Jenny Harries refused to rule out extending the lockdown, and suggested the restrictions would depend on the peak of the virus.

Speaking at today's press conference, the medical expert explained the restrictions would be guided by the infection rate.

She said: “The issue of the three weeks is for us to review where we are and see if we've had an impact jointly on the slope of that curve.

“But I think to make it clear to the public if we are successful we will have squashed the top of that curve, which is brilliant, but we must not then suddenly revert to our normal way of living that would be quite dangerous.

“If we stop then all of our efforts will be wasted and we could potentially see a second peak.

“So over time, probably over the next six months, we will have a three-week review.

"We may see measures of lockdown going forward over the next six months, that would not be an implausible outcome."