Boris Johnson in hospital: Donald Trump sends UK Prime Minister America's 'best wishes' for his fight against coronavirus
US President Donald Trump has sent his best wishes to Boris Johnson after the Prime Minister was admitted to hospital suffering from coronavirus.
Number 10 announced on Sunday night Mr Johnson was now in hospital for tests because his Covid-19 symptoms.
It was a precautionary step following advice from the Prime Minister’s doctor and he would remain there for “as long as needed”, the spokeswoman added.
Mr Trump began Sunday night’s White House press briefing by saying he was sure Mr Johnson would recover and that all Americans were praying for him.
“He’s a great friend of mine,” Mr Trump said of his British counterpart.
“I’m sure he is going to be fine, he’s a strong man, a strong person.”
Mr Trump said he had not spoken to the Prime Minister and was notified he had been taken to hospital by Washington’s ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson.
The president said it was a “big move going to the hospital”.
“He’s a great gentleman, I just hope he’s OK,” Mr Trump added.
Mr Johnson remains “in charge of the Government” and in contact with ministerial colleagues and officials despite his hospital admission, Number 10 said.
But de facto deputy prime minister Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, is expected to chair the daily Covid-19 meeting on Monday morning in Mr Johnson’s place.
The news 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”.
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.
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.”
His persistent symptoms are understood to include a high temperature, and it was considered sensible for doctors to see the PM in person.
Mr Johnson’s pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds said on Saturday that she was “on the mend” after spending a week in bed after also suffering coronavirus symptoms.
The 32-year-old, who is expecting the couple’s baby in early summer, has been self-isolating in Camberwell, south London, with the couple’s dog Dilyn.
The Prime Minister revealed on March 27 that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was self-isolating with “mild symptoms” including a high temperature and persistent cough
He has shared several video updates from his Number 11 flat since the diagnosis, and stepped outside to join the nationwide clap for key workers on Thursday evening.
Mr Johnson has not been seen publicly since, but spoke to new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday afternoon.
Sir Keir wished the PM a “speedy recovery” after the announcement.
Agencies contributed to this article
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