COVID-19: British PM Boris Johnson admitted to hospital
London/IBNS: Ten days after he was tested positive for COVID-19, British PM Boris Johnson was hospitalised for tests, Downing Street said.
The Downing Street said the step was taken as a 'precautionary measure'.
"On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests," read the statement issued by Downing Street.
"This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus ten days after testing positive for the virus," it said.
"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," it said.
Johnson was tested positive for novel coronavirus on March 27 and was since then, self-isolating in Downing Street.
On Friday, Johnson said in a video message that he was remaining in self-isolation, as he was still showing symptoms of the disease.
The Prime Minister said that he was continuing to carry out his duties and was communicating with other government ministers while in self-isolation to take measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump during White House press briefing extended his well wishes. "All Americans are praying for him. He's a great friend of mine, a great gentleman and a great leader," Trump said, adding that he was sure the prime minister would be fine because he is "a strong person".
Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock had also tested positive for the virus and returned from self-isolation on Thursday to host the daily Downing Street news conference. The government's chief medical adviser, Prof Chris Whitty, has also had to self-isolate after showing symptoms.
Last month, the Prime Minister's spokesman said if PM was unwell and unable to work, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, as the first secretary of state, would stand in.
The news of Johnson's admission to hospital came shortly after the Queen delivered a rallying message to the nation, saying the UK "will succeed" in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
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