Boris Johnson remains in hospital with coronavirus

The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’s hospital on Sunday evening as he has persistent coronavirus symptoms.

Under the advice of his doctor, Johnson, 55, has persistent symptoms which include a high temperature, it is understood that he was applied with oxygen in hospital.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the Prime Minister’s admission was precautionary, and not an emergency measure, adding, Johnson “thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work.”

Johnson was taken to hospital by car at 8pm on Sunday, despite being in hospital he is still leading the country.

Should Johnson become incapacitated, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will take over his role. On Monday morning, Raab will chair the COBRA coronavirus meeting, known as C-19.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News that, Johnson “remains very much in charge of the government.”

Jenrick added, “I expect he’ll be able to return to Number 10 shortly.”

President Donald Trump passed his best wishes to Johnson and said, “All Americans are praying for him.”

Adding, “He’s a great friend of mine. I’m sure he is going to be fine, he’s a strong man, a strong person.”

Sir Kier Starmer, Labour’s new leader tweeted, “Wishing the Prime Minister well and a speedy recovery.”

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wished Johnson “all the best and a speedy recovery.”

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran tweeted, “wishing @BorisJohnson a speedy recovery” and encouraged people to give Johnson time to recover.

The Health Secretary said on Sunday speaking to Sky’s Sophy Ridge, he does “not want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home.”

The Department for Health announced on Sunday that a further 621 patients have died across the UK, bringing the total to 4,934.

The department said, “As of 9am 5 April, a total of 195,524 people have been tested of which 47,806 tested positive.”