Downing Street confirmed that Boris Johnson had spoken to President Donald Trump. During the phone call on Friday tonight, the American leader has wished Mr Johnson a “speedy recovery”. Since Friday, the UK prime minister is on self-isolation due to coronavirus.
The British PM and the US President agreed to continue the cooperation amid the coronavirus. Both countries should work together to “defeat the coronavirus pandemic”, Number 10’s statement said.
PM Johnson who is in self-isolation following positive test on COVID-19 since Friday night has asked Donald Trump in securing ventilators to treat the infection. Johnson continues to lead the government’s response via video-conference as the Kingdom fights the novel virus.
This week, several top officials were diagnosed with coronavirus, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock. In addition, the Government’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty is self-isolation after developing mild symptoms.
Commenting on the phone call with the White House, a Number 10 spokesperson said: “The President wished the Prime Minister a speedy recovery from coronavirus”. The nation’s leaders agreed to work together closely, along with the G7, the G20, and other international fora, “to defeat the coronavirus pandemic.”
Donald Trump promised to ramp up production of ventilator
Speaking at a White House press briefing, President Trump said the British PM had opened the call with a plea for equipment to help treat patients struck down with the coronavirus, claiming “the first thing he said to me is: ‘We need ventilators'”.
“Boris Johnson was asking for ventilators today. As you know, Boris, unfortunately, he’s tested positive, and it’s a terrible thing. But he’s going to be great, I’m sure he’s going to be totally great,” Trump said.
As Trump reiterated, all they want ventilators. “Italy wants ventilators. Spain wants ventilators. Germany wants ventilators. They’re all calling for ventilators.” Well the US is going to make a lot of ventilators and will take care of American needs, but also is going to help other nations in need for those systems.
The phone conversation between the two leaders came as PM Johnson faced criticism from some quarters as the top three individuals leading the Government’s coronavirus response were forced into self-isolation.
