The United Kingdom’s top political leader appears unfazed at the prospect of catching the COVID-19 virus.
Speaking with reporters at No. 10 Downing St., Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shook hands with “everybody” at a local hospital which housed patients infected with the coronavirus.
“I can tell you, I’m shaking hands continuously,” said Johnson. “I was at a hospital the other night, where I think there were actually a few coronavirus patients, and I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands.”
Johnson noted that U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said “people must make up their own minds” when interacting with infected patients but that it was important people are washing their hands to slow the spread.
“Our judgment is wash, washing your hands is the crucial thing,” Johnson added.
On Tuesday, the National Health Service declared its highest level of emergency after more than 51 positive cases were reported in the country. While no deaths have occurred within the country’s borders, a British man who was infected with the virus while aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship died in Japan last week.
The U.K.’s chief medical officer warned the virus could kill 1% of people infected by the disease, which has killed more than 2,800 people and infected over 80,000 globally.
