UK PM Boris Johnson admitted to hospital for COVID-19 tests
London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests after he showed "persistent symptoms of coronavirus" even 10 days after testing positive for the disease.
His hospitalisation was described as a "precautionary step" taken on the advice of his doctor, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Sunday.
Johnson, 55, was taken to a London hospital on Sunday evening with "persistent symptoms" - including a temperature.
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 spokesperson said.
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, the spokesperson added.
The prime minister remains in charge of the government, but the foreign secretary is expected to chair a coronavirus meeting on Monday, the BBC reported.
Johnson had extended self-isolation as he gave an update on his health via social media on Friday, which should have marked the end of the stipulated seven-day self-isolation period after his COVID-19 diagnosis last week.
He said he still has a temperature, one of the symptoms associated with coronavirus, and would therefore have to stay in isolation for longer.
"Although I'm feeling better and I've done my seven days of isolation, alas I still have one of the symptoms, a minor symptom, Johnson said in a new video message.
"I still have a temperature and so, in accordance with government advice, I must continue my self-isolation until that symptom itself goes," he said.
The UK has reported over 48,000 cases of COVID-19 and above 4,900 deaths.
Johnson was last seen, still looking quite poorly, when he made a brief appearance at Downing Street on Thursday night to join the national clap for carers applause in appreciation of the hardwork of National Health Service (NHS) workers on the frontline of the fight against the outbreak.
"Remember that incredible clapping again last night for our fantastic NHS. We're doing it to protect them and to save lives. Let's focus on doing everything we can. Stay at home folks, protect our NHS, save lives," he said.
US President Donald Trump began a White House press briefing by sending "our nation's well wishes" for Mr Johnson's "own personal fight with the virus".
"All Americans are praying for him. He's a great friend of mine, a great gentleman and a great leader," Trump said, adding that he was sure the prime minister would be fine because he is "a strong person".
Newly-elected Labour Party leader Keir Starmer also wished Johnson well, saying he hoped for a "speedy recovery".
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SSLC exam begins in Kerala; Education Minister wishes students success
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The SSLC (Class X) examination commenced in schools across Kerala on Thursday.
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty wished students appearing for the SSLC examinations success and urged them to approach the tests with confidence.
Apart from the SSLC examination, the Plus One examination also commenced on Thursday, while the Plus Two examination will begin on Friday.
As many as 4,17,497 students are appearing for the SSLC examination, which is being held at 3,047 centres.
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A total of 633 students have registered for the SSLC examination from the Lakshadweep region.
Similarly, 633 students have registered for the SSLC examination in the Gulf region, where the examination has been postponed due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The examination will conclude on March 30.
According to the Education Department, valuation camps for the exam papers will be held from April 7 to April 28, and the results are expected to be declared in May.
Sivankutty, in a Facebook post, said examinations should not be viewed with anxiety but as an opportunity to express the knowledge students have acquired.
Noting that students are appearing for the exams after completing their studies with revised textbooks based on the New Curriculum Framework 2023, introduced after a gap of 11 years, the minister said the new evaluation system aims to assess 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, analytical ability and creativity.
He also assured students that there are no changes in the examination structure this year and cautioned them against attempts by some people to deliberately spread fear in connection with the exams, urging them to reject such messages with discretion.
He reminded students that the Class 10 examination is only a qualifying test for higher studies and that the government has ensured Plus One seats for all students in Kerala.
The minister further urged students to prioritise their physical and mental health during the exam period by maintaining proper sleep and food habits.
“This is not the last examination in life. A world of opportunities lies ahead of you. Enter the examination hall with a calm mind,” he said, wishing all students success.
As many as 4,11,025 students have registered for the Higher Secondary (Plus One) examination and 4,52,437 students for the Higher Secondary (Plus Two) examination, which will conclude on March 28.
