British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has re-emerged following a weeks-long battle with Covid-19, but the “war” on the coronavirus is far from being won. Johnson faces numerous challenges, most notably when to reopen the economy.
Earlier on Monday morning, junior health minister Edward Argar vowed that Johnson “will be back in the driving seat” and “getting on with the job.” Johnson has declined to give any specific dates regarding the easing of lockdown restrictions or a return to work for the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Johnson expressed concern about “a new wave of death and disease as well as an economic disaster,” saying that he refuses “to throw away all the effort and sacrifice” the British people had made, specifically the staff of the NHS.
Johnson is set to resume his full duties and chair a so-called “war cabinet” to guide the UK through the ongoing coronavirus crisis, amid reports that the country’s lockdown could be extended even further.
Monday’s press briefing marked Johnson’s first public appearance since posting a video to Twitter on April 12, in which he thanked the staff at St Thomas’ Hospital for saving his life.
