British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been hospitalized on Sunday after being diagnosed with COVID-19. His office said Johnson will undergo tests ten days after his diagnosis.
According to his office, it was Johnson's doctor who advised him to be admitted to an undisclosed medical facility in London. The office clarified that the admission was not an emergency.
The prime minister's office emphasized that it was a “precautionary step” and Johnson still oversees the government.
Johnson has been on self-quarantine in his Downing St. residence since March 26, when he tested positive for COVID-19. He is the first known public leader to fall ill with the coronavirus.
Johnson, 55, still leads the daily meetings on Great Britain’s actions to curb the coronavirus outbreak. He has also released several video messages throughout his isolation, which lasted for 10 days.
Johnson said in his message last Friday that he was feeling better but still had a fever.
It has been reported that individuals infected with the virus can experience mild to moderate symptoms in most people. Meanwhile, older adults and the infirm may suffer from pneumonia, and the infection may lead to death.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his encouragement for Johnson during a White House briefing on the pandemic Sunday.
”All Americans are praying for him,” Trump said.
Johnson has been taking medical advice remotely while feeling ill. Going to a hospital means doctors can personally treat him.
Dr. Rupert Beale, a group leader of the cell biology of infection lab at the Francis Crick Institute for biomedical studies, said doctors would “be monitoring important vital signs such as oxygen saturations.”
Moreover, Johnson will go through blood tests. His organ function will be assessed. A CT scan may be performed on his chest to check his lungs.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been assigned to be in charge of the government if Johnson becomes incapacitated, is expected to lead the government's coronavirus meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, Carrie Symonds, Johnson’s fiancee, disclosed that she spent a week in bed experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 though she has not been tested yet.
Symonds, who is pregnant, shared she was now “on the mend.” She has not been staying with the Johnson in Downing St. residence since his diagnosis.
Coronavirus cases in Britain
Britain reported that almost 48,000 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the U.K., while 4,934 have died.
Johnson's government has been accused of complacency in terms of responding to the outbreak. Johnson ordered an effective nationwide lockdown March 23, but his government is being pressured to produce more hospital beds and ventilators and to expand coronavirus testing.
The other members of Johnson’s government that were confirmed for the virus are Health Secretary Matt Hancock and junior Health Minister Nadine Dorries. Both officials have recovered.
Queen Elizabeth II also made a televised address to the nation, asking Britons to remain “united and resolute” as they battle with the outbreak.
“We will succeed — and that success will belong to every one of us,” the 93-year-old monarch said, drawing parallels to the struggle of World War II.
“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again," she said.
