PM remains in hospital for ‘observation’ after ‘good night’

Boris Johnson will remain in hospital for “observation” after being admitted due to persistent symptoms of coronavirus, Downing Street has confirmed.

Police officers outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London where Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted for tests as his coronavirus symptoms persist

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Mr Johnson had spent a “comfortable night” in St Thomas’ Hospital in central London, across the River Thames from the Palace of Westminster, and is in “good spirits”. He is not expected to be discharged today.

Mr Johnson remains in charge of the government, and is receiving his ministerial box of official papers, and is “in touch with Number 10”.

However, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who deputises for the Prime Minister as First Secretary of State, chaired this morning’s daily meeting of ministers and officials on the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Johnson posted on twitter this afternoon: “Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain.

“Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”

The Number 10 spokesman described reports on Russian media that Mr Johnson had been put on a ventilator as “fake news”, but did not deny that he had been given oxygen.

The Prime Minister’s symptoms 11 days after testing positive for coronavirus were described as a “persistent” cough and high temperature, although the spokesman would not comment when asked if the Prime Minister has pneumonia, or is being treated in an intensive care ward, saying only that journalists would be briefed on “any relevant developments”.

Coronavirus patients in hospital are not allowed visitors, and the spokesman said Mr Johnson would “follow the advice the same as anybody else”.

Meanwhile, the Labour MP for Rochdale Tony Lloyd has been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary with symptoms of coronavirus. The Labour Party said Mr Lloyd, who served as Shadow Scottish Secretary in the final period of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, was “stable and responding to the treatment and dedicated care that he is receiving from the brilliant doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff.”