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Putin sends message of hope to UK PM Boris Johnson to defeat coronavirus

On April 6, the prime minister’s office reported that Johnson’s state had worsened
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson AP Photo/Matt Dunham
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
© AP Photo/Matt Dunham

MOSCOW, April 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who earlier was diagnosed with the coronavirus disease, expressing his support and wish for the prime minister to defeat the illness. The telegram text has been published on the Kremlin website.

"I would like to express my sincere support in this trying time," the president said. "I am certain that your energy, optimism and sense of humor will help you to defeat the illness."

"I sincerely wish you fast and complete recovery," he added.

On March 27, Prime Minister Johnson, 55, announced that his coronavirus tests were positive. On April 5, he was hospitalized, where, according to The Times, he "received oxygen treatment." His hospitalization reportedly was not an emergency, and was done by recommendation of the prime minister’s doctor, who called for the prime minister to be examined in a hospital.

On April 6, the prime minister’s office reported that Johnson’s state had worsened, and that the prime minister was transferred to an intensive care unit. According to Sky News report, the prime minister is conscious and has been taken to the ICU as a precaution, in case he needs a ventilator.

Besides Johnson, Prince Charles of Wales and Health Secretary Matt Hancock also contracted the disease, but have already recovered. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace spent a week at home with coronavirus suspicion, but he has also reported his recovery.

UK Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack, Chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Chief Adviser to Prime Minister Dominic Cummings remain in self-isolation.