Boris Johnson hospitalised as Covid-19 symptoms persist

Boris Johnson has been hospitalised as his coronavirus symptoms rage on.

No 10 announced the news on Sunday evening, insisting that the move was purely "precautionary," but that he would stay in hospital "for as long as needed."

The Prime Minister tested positive for the virus 10 days ago and has been self-isolating ever since.

A Downing Street spokeswoman 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 10 days after testing positive for the virus.

“The Prime Minister thanks NHS 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.”

On Friday, Mr Johnson shared an update on his condition, saying he was continuing to suffer a temperature but was otherwise "feeling better."

Sunday's development comes just hours after his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds revealed she had been showing "classic signs" of Covid-19.

A Number 10 spokesman insisted Mr Johnson remains “in charge of the Government” despite his hospital admission, and he has not handed responsibilities to his de facto deputy Dominic Raab.

However, Mr Raab is likely to chair the daily Covid-19 meeting on Monday morning for ministers and officials, which is usually led by the PM.

Mr Johnson announced on March 27 that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was self-isolating with “mild symptoms” including a high temperature and persistent cough.

He has shared several video updates from his Number 11 flat since his diagnosis, and stepped outside to join the nationwide clap for NHS staff on Thursday evening.

Mr Johnson has not been seen publicly since, but said he spoke to new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday afternoon.

Sir Keir wished the PM a “speedy recovery” following the announcement.

He was joined by scores of well-wishers, from both ends of the political spectrum, to send "get well soon" messages on Twitter.

Tory MP Jeremy Hunt tweeted: “Thoughts with Boris Johnson this evening.

“Whatever political persuasion the whole country is united in wanting our PM to get fit and well as soon as possible #BackBoris.”

Meanwhile, former Labour leadership hopeful Jess Phillips tweeted: "Sending regards to the Prime Minister and his family and friends especially to Carrie, it must be such a worry."

Ms Symonds said on Saturday that she was “on the mend” but had been bedridden with Covid-19 symptoms.

The 32-year-old, who is expecting the couple’s baby in early summer, has been self-isolating in Camberwell, south London, with the couple’s dog Dilyn.

Announcing the news on Twitter she said: “I’ve spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of Coronavirus. I haven’t needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I’m on the mend.”

Shortly after news of Mr Johnson's hospital admission broke, Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, resigned following criticism for visiting her second home and not adhering to social distancing advice.

Earlier in the evening, the Queen made a rare address to the nation, in which she urged the country to “remain united and resolute” in the face of the outbreak, while pledging “we will overcome it”.

The head of state warned the country “may have more still to endure”, but echoed the words of Forces’ sweetheart Dame Vera Lynne as she said: “We will meet again.”

The UK coronavirus death toll now stands at 4,934, up by 621 from 4,313 the day before.

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