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Carrie Symonds: Outpouring of support for Boris Johnson's partner as PM moved to intensive care

File photo dated 13/12/19 showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds arrive in Downing Street after the Conservative Party was returned to power in the General Election with an increased majority.
Boris Johnson’s pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds said on Saturday she was “on the mend” after suffering coronavirus symptoms. (PA)

Boris Johnson’s fiancée Carrie Symonds has received a huge outpouring of support after the prime minister moved to intensive care unit (ICU) suffering from coronavirus.

Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital in central London on Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19. He was moved to the ICU after his symptoms worsened the following day.

Symonds, who is pregnant, said on Saturday she was “on the mend” after also suffering from symptoms.

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

Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds leaving after the Commonwealth Day Service, Westminster Abbey, London. Picture credit should read: Doug Peters/EMPICS
Carrie Symonds said on Saturday she was "on the mend" after suffering from symptoms of coronavirus. (PA)

A number of people have spoken out in support of Symonds as she recovers and deals with her partner’s illness.

MPs and commentators from across the political spectrum offered their support.

On Saturday evening, Symonds 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.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds in the stands during the Guinness Six Nations match at Twickenham Stadium, London.
Carrie Symonds announced her pregnancy in February and said she was having a baby in the summer. (PA)

A conservationist and environmental campaigner, Symonds announced her pregnancy in February, when she also revealed that she and Johnson are engaged.

She is the first non-married partner of a British prime minister to move into Downing Street.

Symonds was not living with Johnson while he was isolating with symptoms of COVID-19.

After it was revealed the PM had tested positive for coronavirus, his official spokesman said: “The prime minister of course follows all of the guidelines which have been issued by Public Health England in full.

“His circumstance is such that he will be required to self-isolate for seven days.”

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