Boris Johnson has been taken to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus. 

Downing Street said he was admitted 'as a precaution' after suffering from the virus for over a week.

Mr Johnson first told the public he had the virus 11 days ago. His pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds revealed yesterday she has been self-isolating with suspected coronavirus symptoms.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "On the advice of his doctor, the Prime Minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests.

What happens now? your questions answered

"This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after testing positive for the virus.

Mr Johnson is understood to be in an NHS hospital in London where he will stay for "as long as needed".

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is likely to chair the daily Covid-19 meeting tomorrow morning for ministers and officials, which is usually led by the PM.

GP Dr Sarah Jarvis told the BBC it is likely the Prime Minister has "moderate" symptoms of coronavirus.

"The majority of people who develop coronavirus will have mild symptoms - that's probably 80% or so," she said.

"The older you become the more likely it is that you will become severely unwell with this.

"There is a severe stage, a moderate stage and a critical stage."

Dr Jarvis, who is not Mr Johnson's doctor, added: "Given he is staying in charge of the Government, that suggests to me that he probably has moderate disease but that, as a precaution, he is being taken in to check the oxygen levels in his blood, to do X-rays and probably scans of his chest.

"And to do blood tests to see for instance what his white cell counts look like and what his liver functions look like."

Reaction...

  • Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom tweeted: "Praying for a speedy recovery for our Prime Minister."
  • Johnny Mercer, the Conservative MP for Plymouth, Moor View, tweeted a picture of himself with the Prime Minister with the message "Get well soon mate" followed by a red heart.
  • Labour MP Jess Phillips sent her regards to Mr Johnson and his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds. "Sending regards to the Prime Minister and his family and friends especially to Carrie, it must be such a worry," Ms Phillips tweeted.
  • Jeremy Hunt tweeted: "Thoughts with Boris Johnson this evening. "Whatever political persuasion the whole country is united in wanting our PM to get fit and well as soon as possible #BackBoris."
  • Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Wishing the Prime Minister well and a speedy recovery."