
Donald Trump has wished Boris Johnson well in his 'personal fight' with coronavirus and said 'all Americans are praying for him' as the Prime Minister spent his first night in hospital.

Downing Street stressed that the Prime Minister was admitted to undergo tests merely as a precaution, on the advice of his doctor, as UK coronavirus-related deaths climbed by 621 to 4,934 and infections rose by 5,903 to 47,806.

Mr Johnson's overnight stay at a London NHS hospital, believed to be St Thomas' on Westminster Bridge, came 10 days after he first tested positive for the infection and began self-isolating in his Number 11 flat.

In a Twitter video on Friday, an exhausted-looking Mr Johnson revealed he was still suffering from a high temperature and the fever is understood to have remained until his admission yesterday. Experts say there is a risk of pneumonia when a temperature lasts more than a week.

At a White House coronavirus press briefing, President Trump said: 'I want to express our nation's wellwishes to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he wages his own personal fight with the virus. All Americans are praying for him, he's friend of mine and a great gentleman and a great leader'.

President Trump said that he had spoken with the British Ambassador about Mr Johnson's condition, adding it was 'a big move to go to the hospital. I just hope he's ok.'

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will step in this morning to chair a daily ‘war cabinet’ dealing with the pandemic.

But Downing Street insisted Mr Johnson was still in charge despite his illness. Officials confirmed he was in an NHS hospital but would not say what tests he was undergoing and how long he would be in hospital.

He is likely to undergo several tests to check his oxygen levels, white blood cell count, and liver and kidney function before he is released from hospital following his admission, according to doctors. He is also likely to undergo an electrocardiogram to check his heart as well as his chest X-rayed and lungs scanned, particularly if he was found to be struggling for breath.

His admission to hospital emerged minutes after the Queen's historic TV address to the nation where she urged the country to pull together to fight coronavirus, saying: ‘If we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.’ And she echoed Second World War heroine Dame Vera Lynn, promising anguished families separated by the crisis: ‘We will meet again.’

As daily coronavirus deaths and infections rose sharply in Britain again, it also emerged:

The Queen hailed the sacrifice of frontline NHS workers battling the virus in a rare televised address that moved the nation as she praised the resolve of the British people to stay at home telling them: 'We'll meet again';

The number of cases rose 5,903 to 47,806 and the number of deaths climbed by 621 to 4,934;

Worrying figures showed the UK's coronavirus epidemic was set to overtake that suffered by France and Italy;

Health Secretary Matt Hancock threatened to revoke the right to exercise outdoors if people continued to flout social distancing measures;

Scotland's chief medical officer resigned after she was caught travelling to her second home after flouting her own advice to stay at home;

A 54-year-old from Essex became the first midwife to die with coronavirus in England.

Boris Johnson (pictured on Downing Street clapping NHS staff on April 2) has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus

On Friday, the PM released a selfie-style video from self-isolation in Number 11 revealing he still had the symptoms of Covid-19

His overnight stay at a London NHS hospital, believed to be St Thomas' in Westminster (pictured last night), comes 10 days after he first tested positive for the infection and began self-isolating in his Number 11 flat

A Downing Street spokeswoman last night 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 ten days after testing positive for the virus.

'The Prime Minister thanks NHS staff for all 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.'

Number 10 did not disclose which hospital he had been admitted to, but The Times reported it was St Thomas', where armed police were seen patrolling last night.

Doctors will monitor Mr Johnson's vital signs as well as conduct blood tests to assess how his immune system is fighting the virus, as well as assessing liver and kidney function, according to a leading scientist.

Dr Rupert Beale, Group Leader, Cell Biology of Infection Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, said: 'They will perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart.

'More sophisticated tests may include a CT scan of the chest to get an accurate picture of the lungs. They will consider the best way to deliver oxygen, and will also consider other treatments depending on test results.'

Despite continuing to suffer the symptoms of the virus - namely a high temperature - Mr Johnson, 55, has resolved to remain at the helm of the government's crisis management.

In this morning's broadcast interviews, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Mr Johnson was doing 'ok' and still providing leadership.

Mr Hancock has since recovered from the virus after revealing he had tested positive for coronavirus on March 27, the same day Mr Johnson also made public his own infection via Twitter.

Number 10 did not disclose which hospital he had been admitted to, but it was reported it was St Thomas', where armed police were seen patrolling last night

In a message of hope, Her Majesty urged the public to take comfort in the knowledge that better times lie ahead and that loved ones will be reunited

Downing Street infection timeline March 10: Health minister Nadine Dorries became the first MP to test positive for coronavirus, shortly after attending a Downing Street reception. March 27: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock both release Twitter videos saying they have coronavirus and are self-isolating. Hours later, chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty revealed he was self-isolating with symptoms. March 30: The PM's top adviser Dominic Cummings was revealed to be self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms. April 2: Matt Hancock returns to work after seven dies in isolation and making a recovery. April 3: Boris Johnson releases a video from his Number 11 flat saying he is continuing to self-isolate as he is still suffering a temperature. April 4: Carrie Symonds, the PM's pregnant fiancée reveals she has been self-isolating at her Camberwell flat. April 5: The PM is taken to hospital as a precaution. Advertisement

Alarm bells started ringing that the nerve centre of the government's crisis response had been compromised when chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and top Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings also began showing symptoms.

Meetings have since been held via videolink, and rather than fronting the daily Number 10 press briefings, the PM has taken to releasing selfie-style videos from isolation.

In his most recent clip two days ago, Mr Johnson said he 'still had minor symptoms, I have a temperature, and so in accordance with the government I must continue my self-isolation until that symptom goes'.

He was last seen outside on Thursday, when he stepped on to Downing Street to applaud NHS workers.

In the event the PM is too sick to continue in his role, Mr Raab, as First Secretary of State, would step in as acting leader.

Mr Johnson's pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds, who is due in the early summer, is also self-isolating in her own Camberwell apartment with the couple's dog Dilyn after symptoms surfaced.

The 32-year-old said on Saturday: '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.'

Politicians of all parties offered their best wishes to the PM this evening and prayed for a quick recovery.

Sir Keir Starmer, who was this weekend elected as Labour leader, was among the first to wish him a 'speedy recovery'.

Former foreign and health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: 'Thoughts with Boris Johnson this evening. Whatever political persuasion the whole country is united in wanting our PM to get fit and well as soon as possible.'

Mr Johnson has been taken to hospital at a critical time in the UK's health emergency, as the number of coronavirus cases begins to peak.

Ministers have been begging the public to observe strict social distancing measures to stem the tide of infection from spreading and overwhelming the NHS.

But scenes from the warm weekend showed people flouting government rules and flocking to the nation's parks to sunbathe.

Mr Hancock warned Britons that he was prepared to revoke the right to exercise outdoors if people continued to disobey his instructions.

The call on the public to stay indoors was echoed in Her Majesty's address to the nation which was aired last night after being pre-recorded from Windsor Castle, where she is isolating with her husband Philip.

Politicians of all parties offered their best wishes to the PM this evening and prayed for a quick recovery

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has recovered from the virus, warned Britons that he was prepared to revoke the right to exercise outdoors if people continued to disobey his instructions (pictured at Sunday's press briefing)

A woman is told to go home by a police officer on a motorbike to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep the park open for people observing the British government's guidance of social distancing

Queen makes historic address to the nation The Queen delivered a historic rallying cry to the British public last night, urging them to come together in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak in a poignant television address. Speaking from Windsor Castle, where the 93-year-old monarch is isolating with Prince Philip, she told millions of Brits watching from home: 'If we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.' Her Majesty's extraordinary intervention is only the fifth time she has addressed the nation during her 67-year reign and comes as the UK death toll from the pandemic neared 5,000, with 621 new deaths today. She invoked the spirit of the Second World War, repeating Dame Vera Lynn's famous words as she promised the nation: 'We will meet again'. The monarch shared special praise for the NHS, thanking medical workers for their work and sacrifice in the battle against the virus. She said: 'I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all. 'I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.' Brits stuck at home amid the lockdown tuned in to the speech, sharing photos of their entire families huddled in front of the TV to watch Her Majesty. Advertisement

The monarch said: 'I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.

'Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.'

The Queen signed off the rare broadcast - only the fifth in her reign outside of Christmas - with a nod to a Second World War song by Dame Vera Lynn.

She said: 'We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, betterdays will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.'

The monarch reserved special praise for the NHS, thanking medical workers for their work and sacrifice in the battle against the virus.

She said: 'I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.

'I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.'

Brits stuck at home amid the lockdown tuned in to the speech, sharing photos of their entire families huddled in front of the TV to watch Her Majesty.

Shortly after her speech, Scotland's chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, resigned following criticism for visiting her second home and not adhering to social distancing advice.

Dr Calderwood had earlier apologised live on TV after being given a police warning for twice visiting her family's coastal retreat in Earlsferry, Fife, more than 40 miles from her main home.

In a press conference beside Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Dr Calderwood said her actions were 'a mistake and human error' and that were 'no excuses'.

Dr Calderwood issued an apology and was initially backed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to remain in the role.

However after further conversations with Ms Sturgeon, Dr Calderwood said on Sunday night that she had resigned 'with a heavy heart', agreeing the 'justifiable focus on my behaviour risks becoming a distraction from the hugely important job.

UK's coronavirus outbreak is set to overtake Italy and France: Worrying graphic suggests that three weeks since Britain hit 50 deaths it is in danger of being in a worse state than 'Europe's epicentre' was at the same point

By Danyal Hussain and Joe Middleton and Jack Maidment, deputy political editor for MailOnline

Britain's death toll from the coronavirus could overtake both Italy and France, a worrying new graphic has revealed.

The number of deaths in the UK rose by 621 to 4,934 yesterday, including 29 patients who did not have any underlying health conditions.

Now, the UK is just behind where Italy and France were 20 days after registering 50 deaths from the outbreak.

However, both those countries' started to see their death rates decrease after this point, while the UK is expected to not peak for another week to 10 days.

This means Britain's deaths could dwarf both countries, though this isn't guaranteed.

The people who died of the illness were aged between 33 and 103, with 29 of them, aged between 35 and 95, having no known underlying health conditions.

The level of infections has risen sharply by almost 60 per cent, from 5,903 to 47,806, dashing hopes the rate of people getting the disease was starting to level out.

New graphs released by the Government today showed that the UK is just behind France and Italy's death rate at this point. However both countries saw deaths start to decrease, while the UK is still expected not to peak for 7 to 10 days, suggesting Britain could have more deaths

Just days ago, Stephen Powis, the medical director of England, said there had been a 'bit of a plateau' in the number of people testing positive.

The Department of Health also said that, as of 9am on Sunday, a total of 195,524 people have been tested, up from 183,190 the previous day - pushing the amount of tests done daily to more than 12,000.

It comes amid concerns a huge backlog of potential patients awaiting their results could mean infections are far higher than is being reported.

If the backlog for processing the tests is too great, the rate of infections will remain at roughly the same level, with the services already pushed to the brink and only able to carry out a certain number of tests per day.

Matthew Lesh, head of research at the Adam Smith Institute, told MailOnline: 'The UK numbers are masked by the inability of the laboratories.'

NHS England gave the breakdown by region of the 555 deaths of patients in England: - East of England 40 - London 174 - Midlands 74 - North East & Yorkshire 103 - North West 47 - South East 81 - South West 36.

Public Health England reported an extra 555 deaths in England, Public Health Wales recorded 12, and there have been 7 in Northern Ireland.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said authorities there had recorded an additional two extra deaths in Scotland, up to 220, but said the number was based on a new way of counting deaths and is 'likely to be artificially low'.

It came as Matt Hancock this afternoon backtracked on a threat to ban outdoor exercise if people do not comply with the coronavirus lockdown.

The Health Secretary this morning blasted sunbathers for flouting the rules and warned the government would ban 'all forms' of public exercise if a 'small minority' refuse to stay at home.

However he later updated his comments while speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus press conference and said he did not want anyone to believe that a further crackdown was in the works.

Mr Hancock said the end of lockdown will be determined by 'how much people follow the rules on social distancing' and 'the more people follow the rules then the faster we will all be through it'.

He then issued a direct plea to people who are 'breaking the rules or are pushing the boundaries', telling them: 'You are risking your own life and the lives of others and you are making it harder for us all.'

He concluded: 'We have included exercise as one of the things that you can leave your house to do because exercise is good for our physical and our mental health but please do not bend or break this rule.

'We can't rule out further steps but I don't want anyone to think that any changes to the social distancing rules are imminent because the vast majority are following the rules.'

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson repeated the importance of staying at home this morning as he tweeted he knows it is 'tough' but it will mean 'saving lives'.

Mr Hancock and Mr Johnson's comments came after a south London park was shut indefinitely after 3,000 people visited 'despite clear advice' not to as green spaces and beaches across the UK filled up.

Mr Hancock previously told Sky News: 'It is quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice.'

He added: 'Of course I understand how difficult this is but the problem is that when you go out it is not only that you might directly interact with somebody closer than two metres, it is also that you can spread the virus through touching something which somebody else then touches. You could pick it up that way.

'We are crystal clear in the guidance on what people should and shouldn't do. That guidance is backed up in law. It is not a request, it is a requirement in law and people need to follow it.'

Mr Hancock admitted this morning that hitting his promise of 100,000 coronavirus tests by the end of April will be 'hard' and that people involved in the efforts will have to 'put their shoulders to the wheel' to hit the target.