Carrie Symonds: Outpouring of support for Boris Johnson's partner as PM moved to intensive care
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.
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.
Get well soon, Prime Minister.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Carrie. https://t.co/AtvXsnjuCy— Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) April 6, 2020
Thoughts with @BorisJohnson this evening and wishing him a very speedy recovery. We all want him back fit, well and leading from the front as soon as possible
— Helen Grant (@HelenGrantMP) April 5, 2020
My thoughts are with the Prime Minister, Carrie Symonds and their family, with best wishes for his swift recovery. https://t.co/rrUck9Tq2A
— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) April 6, 2020
Thoughts with Boris, Carrie and their little one on the way. Get well soon.
— Neil O'Brien MP (@NeilDotObrien) April 6, 2020
Thoughts are with Carrie Symonds. This must be a terrifying moment and despite social distancing I hope she has someone’s hand to hold
— Flora E Gill (@FloraEGill) April 6, 2020
Wishing PM and his family all the very best. And poor Carrie Symonds. What a nightmare.
— India Knight (@indiaknight) April 6, 2020
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.”
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.”