Boris Johnson 'doing well' in hospital with coronavirus amid hopes he will return to Downing Street 'shortly'

Boris Johnson is said to be "doing well" in hospital as he undergoes tests due to his ongoing coronavirus symptoms.

The Prime Minister is being subjected to "routine tests" after being admitted to hospital on Sunday , where he spent the night in care.

Housing and communities secretary Robert Jenrick said Mr Johnson would return to Downing Street "as soon as possible" and insisted he is still in charge of the Government.

“He spent the night in hospital and of course we all wish him well and we hope that as a result of these tests he will be able to come back to Downing Street as soon as possible," Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4's Today.

“He’s been working extremely hard leading the Government and being constantly updated. That’s going to continue.

"Obviously 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."

He added: “I’m sure this is very frustrating for him, for somebody like Boris who wants to be hands running the Government from the front, but nonetheless he’s still very much in charge of the Government.”

Mr Jenrick expressed his hope the PM will return to Downing Street "shortly".

Asked about the possibility of him spending further time in hospital, Mr Jenrick said: “He will obviously take the advice of doctors and nurses who are doing those tests and act accordingly.

“It’s worth underlining that going to hospital was a precautionary step, he’s undergoing some routine tests on the advice of his doctors, this isn’t an emergency admission, and so I certainly expect that he will be back at Number 10 shortly.”

The Prime Minister has been in self-isolation for more than a week having been diagnosed with coronavirus .

Meanwhile, his fiancee Carrie Symonds also said she had suffered coronavirus symptoms .

Ms Symonds, who is pregnant, said she spent the last week in bed afflicted with illness.

People across the political spectrum have expressed sympathies for the pair.

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Former Prime Minister Tony Blair this morning said Mr Johnson's situation is "hellish".

He told Today: “I have every sympathy and solidarity with him. I know it must be a hellish situation to be in.”

The death toll of coronavirus patients in UK hospitals is 4,934.

It is expected to breach 5,000 today after rising by 621 yesterday.