Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests, Downing Street said on Sunday night, adding that it is “not an emergency admission” and that he remains in charge of the UK government.
A spokesperson said: “On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests. This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus ten days after testing positive for the virus”.
“The Prime Minister thanks National Health Service staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Johnson, 55, has had coronavirus for ten days and continues to have persistent symptoms, including a high temperature. It was considered sensible for doctors to see Johnson in person since he has ongoing symptoms, officials said, adding that he remains in contact with ministerial colleagues and officials.
Johnson tested positive for coronavirus 10 days ago and has since been in isolation. His partner, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant, also tested positive but is recovering.
Indian high commissioner Ruchi Ghanashyam tweeted: “Wishing PM @BorisJohnson good health and a speedy and complete recovery”.
Johnson, who has so far been in isolation in Downing Street, has been leading the government’s response to the pandemic through holding cabinet and other meetings remotely.
Downing Street has previously announced if he were unable to performs prime ministerial functions, foreign secretary Dominic Raab would lead the UK government.
