Boris Johnson has reportedly received oxygen last night after arriving in hospital for “routine” tests to monitor his case of the COVID-19 disease
The Prime Minister, age 55, was admitted to a London hospital last night, where he was given oxygen, just 10 days after testing positive for contracting COVID-19, where he then stayed the night.
Downing Street have made a point to stress that it was not an emergency trip to the hospital, but rather a planned visit on advice from his doctor.
Johnson was taken to the hospital after his aides became increasingly worried about his health as he continued to show symptoms more than a week after he tested positive.
Last night 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 ten 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.”
Sarah Vine, the wife of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, said in a tweet that the Prime Minister had been working intensely, despite being ill with the virus.
Dr Rupert Beale, from the Francis Crick Institute, has said that the Prime Minister probably being monitored for signs of oxygen saturation.
He went on to say:
“They will also check blood tests to see what the immune response to the virus looks like, and to assess liver and kidney function.
“They will perform an electrocardiogram to check the heart.”
“More sophisticated tests may include a CT scan of the chest to get an accurate picture of the lungs.”
“They will consider the best way to deliver oxygen and will also consider other treatments depending on test results.”