Boris Johnson will miss prime minister’s questions on Wednesday to focus on his recovery from Covid-19, Downing Street has said.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is expected to respond to MPs’ questions on Mr Johnson’s behalf while the prime minister continues to rest at country mansion Chequers.
Mr Johnson was discharged from intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital eight days ago, after a prolonged battle against coronavirus.
The prime minister has since been staying at the 16th Century Buckinghamshire manor house with his pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, and their dog, Dilyn.
A Number 10 spokesman said: “The prime minister is continuing to focus on his recovery”.
He added that while Mr Johnson was not doing government work, he was getting “daily updates” on the Covid-19 response.
The update came as experts warned the coronavirus lockdown could be in place for several more months, with autumn touted as a possible exit point.
Asked about the reports, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “We’ll be guided by the science in terms of timetables”.
He added: “I would say the big concern is a second peak, that is what ultimately will do the most damage to health and the most damage to the economy.
“If you move too quickly then the virus could begin to spread exponentially.
“Again, the public will expect us to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and protect life.”
