Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests as his coronavirus symptoms persist, Downing Street has said.
It has been described as a “precautionary step” after he was first diagnosed over a week ago.
A Downing Street spokeswoman 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 10 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.”
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 on Monday morning for ministers and officials, which is usually led by the PM.
His pregnant partner Carrie Symons revealed she had tested positive for the virus and self-isolated at the same time as the Prime Minister.
Labour MP Jess Phillips sent her regards to Mr Johnson and his fiancee.
She said: “Sending regards to the Prime Minister and his family and friends especially to Carrie, it must be such a worry,”
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.
Jeremy Hunt also 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.”
New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sent his best tweeting: “Wishing the Prime Minister well and a speedy recovery.”
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