Boris Johnson admitted to hospital for 'precautionary' tests 10 days after coronavirus diagnosis
Boris Johnson chairs a Covid-19 meeting while in isolation.
2 min read
Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests after failing to shake off coronavirus symptoms 10 days after being diagnosed with the illness.
Downing Street said the decision had been taken on the advice of the Prime Minister's doctor and was a "precautionary" measure.
Mr Johnson had been due to emerge from seven days' self-isolation on Friday, but remained behind closed doors because he continued to have a high temperature.
He has looked progressively worse during a series of video messages posted on Twitter since his diagnosis.
The PM also appeared very unwell when standing on the doorstep of 11 Downing Street for Thursday evening's 'Clap For Carers' event.
A Downing Street spokesperson 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."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock was diagnosed with Covid-19 shortly before Mr Johnson, but managed to shake off the potentially-deadly bug and came out of isolation on Thursday.
Mr Johnson has continued to chair daily meetings on the pandemic via videolink, and has also chaired Cabinet while quarantined in the Chancellor's office in Number 11.
Downing Street sources insisted he had not been admitted to hospital as an emergency patient.
"It was considered sensible for doctors to see the Prime Minister in person given he has ongoing symptoms," said a source.
"He remains in charge of the Government, and is in contact with ministerial colleagues and officials."
It emerged on Saturday that Carrie Symonds, Mr Johnson's pregnant fiancee, had spent the past week in bed with coronavirus symptoms.
She tweeted: "I haven’t needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I’m on the mend.”
She added a link to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) website, saying: “Being pregnant with Covid-19 is obviously worrying. To other pregnant women, please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I found to be very reassuring.
If Mr Johnson were to become incapacitated, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would step up to fulfil his duties.
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