British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested negative for the coronavirus before being discharged from the hospital at which he spent several days fighting off the virus, his spokesman said on Monday.
Johnson, 55, was tested right before being discharged from St. Thomas’ Hospital in London on Easter Sunday, which his spokesman said was described as being standard practice.
It is unclear when Johnson will return to work. He is now recovering at the Chequers estate, the prime minister’s country house outside of Ellesborough.
In a video message posted on social media shortly after his release, Johnson said, “It is hard to find the words to express my debt to the NHS for saving my life.”
“I thank you because so many millions and millions of people across this country have been doing the right thing, millions going through the hardship of self-isolation faithfully, patiently, and with thought and care for others as well as themselves,” he added.
The prime minister also spoke about Easter in the message to his country.
“I want you to know that this Easter Sunday, I do believe your efforts are worth it and are daily proving their worth,” Johnson said. “Though the struggle is by no means over, we are making progress in this incredible national battle against coronavirus.”
Johnson was hospitalized on April 5, more than a week after he tested positive for the coronavirus. He was then transferred to the intensive care unit a day later when his condition worsened and had been receiving oxygen treatment while there.
While Johnson was hospitalized during the lockdown, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was temporarily deputized to lead the British government “where necessary.”
