Coronavirus: Downing Street slams Russian 'disinformation' over Boris Johnson ventilator claim
A state-run news agency had claimed the prime minister would soon be put on a ventilator because of the coronavirus.
Monday 6 April 2020 20:43, UK
Downing Street has slammed Russian "disinformation", after a state-run news agency claimed Boris Johnson would soon be put on a ventilator because of the coronavirus.
The prime minister was first admitted to hospital on Sunday, before being moved to intensive care on Monday evening after his condition worsened.
He confirmed on 27 March that he has COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Downing Street said Mr Johnson remains conscious and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation.
Russia's RIA-Novosti earlier reported he would be put on a ventilator, attributing the claim to a "source close to the leadership" of the NHS.
Speaking before the prime minister went into intensive care, his spokesman said: "That is disinformation. Our specialist government units have seen a rise in false and misleading narratives since the coronavirus pandemic started.
"It's vital that any disinformation is knocked down quickly."
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He added that the government is continuing to work with social media companies to "press for further action to stem the further spread of falsehood and rumours".
Downing Street has also hit out at the "crazed conspiracy theory" that 5G masts spread the coronavirus and warned that any vandals who destroy them are endangering lives.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden will hold talks with social media giants this week to press the need to stop the nonsense theory spreading.
"You've seen reports of criminal vandalism against 5G masts; people need to understand that by destroying these masts they're actually putting lives at risk because these are masts that emergency responders rely upon," the spokesman added.