U.K. PM Boris Johnson admitted to hospital as 'precautionary step'
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital for tests on Sunday in what Downing Street said was a “precautionary step” because he was showing persistent symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after testing positive for the virus.
“On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests,” Downing Street said.
“This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after testing positive for the virus,” Downing Street said.
Johnson on March 27 became the first leader of a major power to announce that he had tested positive. He went into isolation at a flat in Downing Street and said on Friday he was staying there as he still had a high temperature.
Johnson, 55, continues to have a high temperature. Downing Street underscored that this was not an emergency admission. The prime minister’s doctors considered it sensible for him to be seen in person.
Johnson remains in charge of the government, Downing Street 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,” Downing Street said in reference to the U.K.’s National Health Service.