Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus but is ‘in good health’

Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus, Clarence House has confirmed. The Prince of Wales, aged 71, is displaying mild symptoms of the virus and is among the ‘vulnerable’ groups advised by the government to remain at home for the next 12 weeks. Self-isolating in Scotland The prince travelled to Birkhall on Sunday (22 Mar) and was tested for the virus on the following day. The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested, but she did not test positive for coronavirus. The couple are now both self-isolating at the Burnham on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland. In a statement, Clarence House said, “The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus. "He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual. “The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. “In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland. “The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing. “It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.” Queen remains ‘in good health’ The prince is reported to remain in good spirits and is said to be up and about, not bedridden. The medical advice is that it is unlikely to escalate into a more serious case. Buckingham Palace has said that the Queen “remains in good health”, and she last saw Prince Charles on the morning of 12 March. That date also marks the day of the prince’s last public engagement, but a source said his doctor’s estimate that he was contagious on 13 March. A small number of people living and working at Birkhall are now also self-isolating at the residence. Coronavirus: the facts What is coronavirus? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus. What caused coronavirus? The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals. How is it spread? As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But, similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long. What are the symptoms? The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell. What precautions can be taken? Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean. Government advice As of Monday 23 March the prime minister has put the UK into lockdown and instructed all citizens to stay at home. People can only leave their homes to exercise once a day, go shopping for food and medication, travel for medical needs or to care for a vulnerable person, and travel to work only if essential. Police will be able to enforce these restrictions. All non-essential shops will close with immediate effect, as will playgrounds, places of worship and libraries. Large events or gatherings of more than two people cannot go ahead, including weddings and celebrations. Funerals can only be attended by immediate family. Children of separated parents can go between both parents' homes. Anyone with a cough or cold symptoms needs to self-isolate with their entire household for 14 days. The government has now instructed bars, restaurants, theatres and non-essential businesses to close and will review on a ‘month to month’ basis. Schools closed from Friday 20 March for the foreseeable future, and exams have been cancelled. The over 70s or anyone who is vulnerable or living with an underlying illness are being asked to be extra careful and stay at home to self-isolate. People with serious underlying health conditions will be contacted and strongly advised to undertake "shielding" for 12 weeks. For more information on government advice, please check their website. https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response Should I avoid public places? You should now avoid public places and any non-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders. What should I do if I feel unwell? Don’t go to your GP but instead look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next. https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. When to call NHS 111 Only call NHS 111 if you can’t get help online and feel very unwell. This should be used if you feel extremely ill with coronavirus symptoms. If you have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus please use the online service. Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS