Johnson hospitalised, ‘still in charge’ of govt
nLONDON: Prime Minister Boris Johnson was said to be “still in charge” of the UK government on Monday after he was hospitalised on Sunday night as a precautionary step for tests, 10 days after he tested positive for the coronavirus that isolated him in Downing Street.
A spokesperson announced his move to a London hospital soon after Queen Elizabeth delivered a rare message to the Commonwealth, seeking to reassure people that “We will succeed” in the fight against the pandemic, and that “better days will return…we will meet again”.
Johnson tweeted on Monday afternoon, “Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.”
The announcement prompted a fall in the British pound’s value and apprehension in various quarters that authorities were not disclosing the full extent of Johnson’s ailment that needed hospitalisation, after he was said to have minor symptoms.
Downing Street previously announced if he were unable to perform prime ministerial functions, foreign secretary Dominic Raab would lead the government, but housing secretary Robert Jenrick insisted on Monday that he remains in charge. Raab chaired Monday’s meeting on coronavirus-related developments.
Jenrick said, “We hope that as a result of these tests (the PM) will be able to come back to Downing Street as soon as possible. He’s been working extremely hard leading the government and being constantly updated. That’s going to continue.”
“I’m sure this is very frustrating for him, for somebody like
Boris who wants to be hands on running the government from the front. But nonetheless, he’s still very much in charge of the government,” he added.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak, home secretary Priti Patel and business secretary Alok Sharma were among leading figures to wish Johnson speedy recovery.
A Downing Street spokesperson said on Sunday night, “On the advice of his doctor, the prime minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests. This is a precautionary step.”
Johnson’s partner, Carrie Symonds, who is expecting, also tested positive but is said to be recovering.