British PM hospitalised with coronavirus but colleagues say he is ‘still in charge’

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in the hospital on Monday undergoing tests after suffering “persistent” symptoms of coronavirus for 10 days, but colleagues insisted he remains in charge of the government, AFP has reported this morning.

The Conservative leader announced on March 27 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, and has been self-isolating in his flat above Downing Street ever since.

On Sunday evening, on the advice of his doctor, the 55-year-old was admitted to hospital for tests in what his office said was a “precautionary step”.

He still has a high temperature among other symptoms, officials say.

“Today he’s in hospital having the tests, but he will continue to be kept informed as to what’s happening and to be in charge of the government,” his housing minister, Robert Jenrick, told BBC television.

Britain is in the middle of a serious coronavirus outbreak, with almost 50,000 confirmed hospital cases and nearly 5,000 deaths so far.