Politics

Update: British prime minister Boris Johnson moved to intensive care

by Charlie Smith on April 6th, 2020 at 2:34 PM
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      Update (April 6): Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is heading the British government, where necessary, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's symptoms of COVID-19 worsen.

      Today, Johnson was moved to intensive care in a hospital, according to a statement from his office.

      "The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication."

      April 5 story

      It's being called a "precautionary step".

      British prime minister Boris Johnson has checked into a London hospital for tests in connection with COVID-19.

      According to the BBC, he continues to have persistent symptoms, including a fever.

      Johnson, 55, is still overseeing the government, though the foreign secretary is reportedly likely going to chair a meeting on Monday (April 6).

      On March 27, Johnson tweeted that he was self-isolating after testing positive during the previous 24 hours. On that day, he mentioned that he was experiencing "mild symptoms", including a temperature and a persistent cough.

      "I am working from home," Johnson said at the time. "I am self-isolating and that is entirely the right thing to do."

      Johnson's pregnant 32-year-old fiancée, Carrie Symonds, has also tested positive and is reportedly experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

      Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today that the British government is dedicated to reducing the spread of the virus and boosting the capacity of the National Health Service.

      "According to the latest figures, 195,524 people have now been tested for the virus and 47,806 have been tested positive," Hancock said.

      He also said that 16,702 have been admitted to hospital and 4,934 have died from COVID-19 in the U.K.

      "I've lost two people that I was fond of," Hancock said. "So I understand what a difficult time this is for the country."

      On the same day that Johnson was admitted to hospital, Queen Elizabeth delivered a rare televised national address.

      She expressed appreciation on behalf of the nation to workers on the frontlines and those who are staying at home to protect the vulnerable.

      "Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it," the monarch said.

      Video: Watch Queen Elizabeth's address in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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