He will stay for "as long as needed" in the London NHS hospital where he was taken as a "precautionary step" on the advice of his doctor - rather than as an emergency.

US President Donald Trump was among the well-wishers, starting Sunday night's White House press briefing by saying Mr Johnson was "a great friend of mine" and adding: "I'm sure he is going to be fine, he's a strong man, a strong person."

The news of his hospitalisation came just an hour after the Queen delivered a message of hope to the nation amid the Covid-19 pandemic, saying "we will overcome it" although we "may have more still to endure".

Johnson was admitted to hospital for tests after being diagnosed with the virus more than 10 days ago.

A total of 4,934 patients - including frontline healthcare workers - have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK according to the latest figures issued by the Department of Health.

Persistent symptoms

Mr Johnson, 55, tested positive for the virus 10 days ago, and has been in self-isolation inside his Downing Street flat since.

A Number 10 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.

"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."

Queen’s address

In a rare televised address to the nation, the Queen personally thanked frontline NHS staff, care workers and others for "selflessly" carrying out their essential roles which had brought "us closer to a return to more normal times".

She thanked others for staying at homes, separated from friends and family, and echoed the words of Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynne's Second World War anthem, when she said "we will meet again".

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson receives well-wishes from US President Donald Trump after spending night in hospital