The whole nation unites to wish the prime minister well as continues to suffer Covid-19 symptoms

The UK more than ever needs decisive leadership, which Boris Johnson had been delivering.

He had in turn being doing well in opinion polls.

News of his admission came just after the Queen’s address to the nation, something that only happens in major moments in the country’s affairs.

As soon as news of Mr Johnson’s admission became apparent last night, there were outpourings of goodwill towards him from across the political spectrum, including from the new leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer.

The prime minister is aged 55. so he is approaching the more vulnerable age of 60+, but still several years below it.

It is essential that Mr Johnson, as the head of government, gets the very best treatment on the NHS, as he undoubtedly will. The current government has made clear its unwavering support for our much loved health system.

Mr Johnson has recently continued to lead the country through the crisis, in good humoured broadcasts via video link.

With good fortune he will soon be through this.

We will learn soon enough whether the medical advice is that he steps aside from all responsibilities for the sake of his own health and also the government that he leads.

In the meantime, this development helps illustrate the importance of adhering to government advice on social distancing.

Overwhelmingly, people in Northern Ireland are doing just that, as our people across these islands, despite continuing reports of a minority of folk who are not.

Such adherence makes it more likely that we can get past the coronavirus peak, and that the end of these restrictions will be able to happen, perhaps even before the summer.

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