Boris Johnson admitted to hospital over persistent coronavirus symptoms

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests, 10 days after testing positive for coronavirus, Downing Street has said. He was taken to a London hospital on Sunday evening with persistent symptoms – including a temperature. It is said to be a precautionary step taken on the advice of his doctor.

Boris Johnson was reported to have been given oxygen after arriving in hospital. His aides say he had been coughing and spluttering on video conference calls over the past few days.

In a statement, 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.”

She added: “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.”

The prime minister remains in charge of the government, but the foreign secretary is expected to chair a coronavirus meeting on Monday morning.

The politician announced on March 27, that he tested positive for the novel COVID-19 and had been in self-isolation at his Downing Street residence for seven days.