Queen Elizabeth II tests positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for COVID-19, Buckingham Palace said on Sunday. As per the official statement, she is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms and will continue to receive medical attention. The 95-year-old monarch remains at her Windsor Castle residence and is expected to carry out light duties this week. Notably, she has received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Came in contact with Prince Charles
The Queen had met her eldest son and heir Prince Charles on February 8, two days before he tested COVID-19 positive. As per reports, the two are believed to have met after Prince Charles attended an investiture at Windsor Castle. It was the second time he had tested positive for the virus, after first contracting it in March 2020.
Buckingham Palace refused to confirm Queen's COVID-19 status
Last week, Buckingham Palace had declined to comment on whether the Queen had taken a coronavirus test after meeting Prince Charles. It had also refused to confirm her COVID-19 status, citing her privacy.
Queen held virtual meetings
Due to the COVID-19 scare in the Royal family, the Queen carried out a number of official engagements virtually this week. On Tuesday, she met the Estonian ambassador virtually from Buckingham Palace. She also received the Spanish ambassador via videoconferencing. However, on Wednesday, she held an in-person engagement with incoming Defence Services Secretary Major General Eldon Millar, and his predecessor, Rear Admiral James Macleod.
COVID-19 guidelines in England
As per the current COVID-19 guidelines in England, anyone who tests positive or develops symptoms of the disease has to go into self-isolation for a period of 10 days. They have the option to end the quarantine after two consecutive negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven. However, the government may relax these restrictions from next week, Sky News reported.
