Friday 27 March Boris Johnson announces that he has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in his Downing Street apartment. He describes mild symptoms for 24 hours including a temperature. He says that he will continue to lead the government. Saturday 28 March Secretary of state for business Alok Sharma tells reporters: “Can I be absolutely clear the PM has had mild symptoms, he is absolutely leading the response from the front.” Monday 30 March Johnson chairs cabinet by remote video link. But newspapers later report that Downing Street sources say Johnson has been “coughing and spluttering his way through conference calls”. Wednesday 1 April Johnson posts a video, urging people to stay at home and saying that those with symptoms like his should stay at home. He says that “although I am sequestered ... I am able to be in constant touch with my officials” and says he is “absolutely confident” we will beat it together. Thursday 2 April Johnson appears on the steps of No 11 Downing Street – where his apartment is - to join the second “Clap for our Carers” event. Some observers suggest that Johnson looks unwell in pictures. Aides say he will be coming out of self-isolation on Friday. Friday 3 April Johnson is unable to leave quarantine after seven days of self-isolation because he still has a persistent temperature. He posts a video on Twitter saying that “in accordance with government advice I must continue to self-isolate” but says that he continues to work. Lobby correspondents are told Johnson had only mild symptoms of the illness and that he chaired the morning coronavirus meeting with ministers and officials. Saturday 4 April Johnson’s pregnant partner Carrie Symonds reveals that she has had the main symptoms of coronavirus for the past week but is “on the mend”. It is reported that Johnson is “stubbornly refusing to stop working”, with the Mail on Sunday reporting a source as saying: “He has not been resting enough and is still leading from the front. Obviously that is beginning to slow down his recovery. He needs to go to bed.” Sunday 5 April Health secretary Matt Hancock tells Sky News: “He’s OK. I’ve been talking to him every day, several times a day … he’s very much got his hand on the tiller. But he’s still got a temperature … He’s working away inside Downing Street. He’s in good spirits.” But later Downing Street says that Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests “as a precautionary step” because his symptoms are persistent 10 days after he tested positive.