Coronavirus Pandemic: Britain Needs Boris Johnson

Ten days after testing positive for COVID-19, Boris Johnson, prime minister of Britain, has been admitted to the hospital. A spokesperson for No. 10 Downing Street said this was a “precautionary step,” which is PR-speak for absolutely necessary.

Johnson’s hospitalization is a surreal and disturbing development in an already surreal and disturbing story. He has said that his government is fighting a “war” against COVID-19. And they are, in a way. But imagine if, during World War II, Winston Churchill had been seriously injured during a German air raid or if, the night before the Battle of Trenton, George Washington was debilitated. From history, we know only too well, the morale of a country in crisis often leans heavily on the man or woman in charge.

About the Author

Madeleine Kearns

Madeleine Kearns is a former staff writer at National Review.

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Ten days after testing positive for COVID-19, Boris Johnson, prime minister of Britain, has been admitted to the hospital. A spokesperson for No. 10 Downing Street said this was a “precautionary step,” which is PR-speak for absolutely necessary.

Johnson’s hospitalization is a surreal and disturbing development in an already surreal and disturbing story. He has said that his government is fighting a “war” against COVID-19. And they are, in a way. But imagine if, during World War II, Winston Churchill had been seriously injured during a German air raid or if, the night before the Battle of Trenton, George Washington was debilitated. From history, we know only too well, the morale of a country in crisis often leans heavily on the man or woman in charge.