British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was undergoing hospital tests on Monday after suffering persistent coronavirus symptoms for more than 10 days, but the government said he was in good spirits and still in charge.
Mr. Johnson, who had been isolating in Downing Street after testing positive for the virus last month, was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital in central London on Sunday night.
His office and Ministers said Mr. Johnson, 55, continued to run the government, that he was doing well, and that he would undergo routine tests as a precaution. Downing Street declined to say what check-ups he would have.
“On the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms,” Mr. Johnson said on Twitter. “I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.”
Under observation
Mr. Johnson’s spokesman said the Prime Minister had a comfortable night in the hospital and remained there under observation. He described Mr. Johnson’s symptoms as “persistent”. These included a high temperature and a cough. The spokesman urged caution about media reports that Mr. Johnson was receiving oxygen treatment but refused to answer directly if he had pneumonia.
Mr. Johnson continues to receive his ministerial box of government documents, he added.
It was not clear how an ill Prime Minister could lead the government’s response to the outbreak from a hospital.
Some medics said it was unclear what was meant by precautionary tests for COVID-19 complications.
Britain has no formal succession plan should the Prime Minister become incapacitated. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, 46, chaired the government’s emergency COVID-19 meeting on Monday.
