Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests as his coronavirus symptoms persist, Downing Street has said.

Number 10 said the Prime Minister was taken as a "precautionary step" on the advice of his doctor.

He tested positive for the virus 10 days ago, and has been in self-isolation inside his Downing Street flat since.

Basingstoke Gazette: Boris Johnson was last seen in public on Thursday when he clapped for the NHSBoris Johnson was last seen in public on Thursday when he clapped for the NHS

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."

It is understood Mr Johnson will be remaining in hospital overnight. 

Mr Johnson has been in self-isolation for the past ten days however the 55-year-old politician has suffered a persistent temperature and a fever.

Currently, the prime minister remains in charge of the government though powers will be transferred to his deputy Dominic Raab if the situation worsens.

Until now, Mr Johnson has remained in touch with ministerial colleagues.

Yesterday it was reported his pregnant fiance Carrie Symonds was suffering symptoms of the disease. 

Basingstoke Gazette:

The 32-year-old, who is expecting the couple’s baby in early summer, falls into the group of vulnerable people urged to avoid contact with those with symptoms of Covid-19.

Prime Minister Mr Johnson said last week that he had tested positive for coronavirus and has now spent more than a week in self-isolation in Downing Street.

Shortly after his announcement, Ms Symonds – who usually lives with the PM in the Number 11 flat – shared a photograph of herself self-isolating in Camberwell, south London, with the couple’s dog Dilyn.

But on Saturday evening she revealed she too has suffered coronavirus symptoms.

She tweeted: “I’ve spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of Coronavirus. I haven’t needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I’m on the mend.

“Being pregnant with Covid-19 is obviously worrying. To other pregnant women, please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I found to be v reassuring.”

While pregnant women do not appear more likely to contract coronavirus than the general population, pregnancy itself alters the body’s immune system and response to viral infections in general.

Guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) says viral infections can “occasionally be related to more severe symptoms and this will be the same for Covid-19”.

It says that while the risks are small overall, health professionals should look out for more severe symptoms of Covid-19 in pregnant women who test positive, such as pneumonia and a lack of oxygen.

But the RCOG said the current expert opinion is that unborn babies are unlikely to be exposed to Covid-19 during pregnancy.