Pray for the PM but take comfort he’s in the best of hands with our NHS
IT IS the shocking news none of us wanted to hear. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, after first presenting symptoms of coronavirus 10 days ago, entered intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, where he was admitted two days ago with more “persistent” symptoms including a temperature and a cough.
Few expected it to escalate to this point. But in a sombre message from Downing Street, Mr Johnson’s condition was said to have “worsened”. The PM is conscious but has entered the unit in case he needs ventilation. We pray for his recovery.
It shows the mettle of our leader that, even in these stricken circumstances, he was still able to pass the baton of leadership to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is also the First Secretary of State.
A keen cyclist, Mr Johnson, 55, is fit and energetic. But even the normally ebullient PM recently showed signs of strain evident in his face. It made many concerned for his health and it is reassuring to know that he is in good hands. Mr Johnson, showing characteristic magnamity, last night thanked all NHS staff for their hard work.
THE PM’s hospitalisation is the latest and most shocking chapter of the Covid-19 virus crisis in the UK. With our NHS heroes resolute in their dedication, and the majority of the British public playing their part with alacrity, it had looked as if we were approaching the peak of the disease. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick had even suggested that the lockdown could be relieved if the numbers of people entering hospital remained steady.
But as Mr Johnson’s situation shows, we still have a long fight on our hands – against a disease that is no respecter of social position. That the country saw 439 fatalities yesterday is terrible. And although Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has faith that upcoming antibody tests will work, we’re at least a month away from their use. Make no mistake – we remain in the depths of an unprecedented battle.
MR JOHNSON’S plight is also a matter of national poignancy. The country owes him a great deal. After a protracted logjam he made Brexit happen. Although that has been superceded for the moment, it remains a huge achievement.
His election triumph in December – just four short months ago – galvanised the nation. It is not overstating the case to say that he made the country feel good about itself again, unwrapping layers of hurt and uncertainty and replacing them with optimism and a sense of a shared future.
With all that in mind the Daily Express sends the Prime Minister a personal message. Get well soon, Boris.We need you back at the helm, so we can beat this appalling virus together.