Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests as a result of his “persistent” coronavirus symptoms, according to an official spokesman.
“On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests,” confirmed a spokesman for 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s official residence.
“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 spokesman explained.
“The Prime Minister thanks NHS [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.”
Government aides had earlier indicated that the Tory leader, who had hoped to continue to lead the country through the pandemic through “the wizardry of technology”, had been “coughing and spluttering” on conference calls.
Medics warn victims of the Chinese virus whose symptoms last for over a week are at risk of developing pneumonia.
Johnson’s pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds is also reported to be bedridden with infection symptoms.
Should the Prime Minister become incapacitated, his duties will be taken over by the “designated survivor” — namely Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary Dominic Raab.
This story is developing…