Coronavirus: Queen sends message to Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson family
The monarch is being kept informed of the PM's condition after it deteriorated on Monday
Tuesday 7 April 2020 15:04, UK
The Queen has sent a message of support to Boris Johnson's partner, Carrie Symonds, after he was moved into intensive care with worsening symptoms of COVID-19.
The monarch is being kept informed of the Prime Minister's condition and she was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in offering words of sympathy to the leader and his loved ones.
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said the monarch had given the words of support to Ms Symonds and Mr Johnson's family earlier on Tuesday.
"Her Majesty said they were in her thoughts and that she wished the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery," the statement said.
The Duke of Cambridge posted a personal message of sympathy on the Kensington Palace twitter account, signing it off with his initial "W".
"Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family, who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus," he said.
"We wish him a speedy recovery at this difficult time. W"
It came after the Queen thanked health workers for their "selfless dedication" during "testing times" as the country battles coronavirus.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Her Majesty said: "On the occasion of World Health Day, I want to thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the commonwealth, and around the world.
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"In testing times, we often observe that the best of human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all.
"My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes."
Two days ago The Queen made a historic address to the nation - her fifth since taking to the throne.
She urged the public to "remain united and resolute" to overcome the coronavirus crisis, which has so far seen 5,373 die in the UK.
The number of cases in the UK has passed 51,000, the department of health said.
Her message comes as Mr Johnson is treated for COVID-19 in intensive care.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said in an interview with LBC that Mr Johnson "has not been on a ventilator" but has received "oxygen support".
The prime minister spent the night in an ICU at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, where he was admitted on Sunday, after his symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
UK NHS staff will start receiving help on Tuesday - from 750,000 volunteers who signed up to assist in the care of 2.5 million people considered to be at risk during the pandemic.
The volunteers will deliver medicines from pharmacies, drive patients to and from hospital, check on people isolating at home and transport medical supplies and equipment for the NHS.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Their incredible generosity means we can now start helping those most in need across our communities and, in turn, support our heroic NHS staff and social care staff as they continue their outstanding work."