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Opinion | No one, not even world leaders, immune
- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care after testing positive for Covid-19, a reminder that everyone needs to take this pandemic seriously
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The coronavirus does not discriminate as it continues its grim world tour, claiming more than 80,000 lives. All are at risk, whether rich or poor, old or young. Among the confirmed cases, now approaching 1.5 million, are many celebrities and government officials.
But it was still a shock when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson went into intensive care. He is the highest-profile politician to have become seriously ill with the virus. His misfortune is a reminder that Covid-19 must be taken seriously and every effort made to curb its spread.
Johnson revealed in a video broadcast last month that he had tested positive for the virus. He self-isolated but continued to run his country remotely. His determination to soldier on is admirable. But he might have been better off taking a break and concentrating all his energy on fighting the virus.
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Now, the government is battling on without Johnson, who has delegated responsibility. But concerns remain about how effective the cabinet will be in handling the crisis.
The prime minister was taken into hospital on Sunday. Within 24 hours, his condition had worsened and he went into intensive care. He is, apparently, stable and in good spirits. But there is a cause for serious concern. Friends, colleagues and political rivals have been joined by world leaders in wishing him well. We hope he, and everyone fighting the virus, recovers quickly.
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