DOWNING Street is planning for Boris Johnson to be absent for several weeks.
A No 10 source said: “He’s only just beginning his post-hospital recovery, it’s just too soon to give an indication on timing.
“He has been told he needs to rest and recover.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also delivered his own praise for the professionalism of the PM’s NHS staff.
He said: “I know they have cared for him as they would care for anybody in this country.
“It’s one of the things that makes me so proud.”
A No 10 spokesman said: “On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work.”
‘LIFE SAVERS’
It comes after Mr Johnson heaped praise on his intensive care nurses after he was allowed to leave hospital.
The PM admitted: “The NHS has saved my life, no question. It’s hard to find the words to express my debt.”
Doctors discharged him from St Thomas’ in London after a seven-day battle with coronavirus — with the PM admitting “things could have gone either way”.
He was ordered not to return to work, and instead must continue rebuilding his strength at Chequers, the PM’s countryside retreat.
Boris made a brief return to Downing Street where he was reunited with pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds and the couple’s dog Dilyn.
While at No10 he recorded a heartfelt video message which was quickly uploaded on Twitter.
He praised the ICU unit’s doctors — “several of them for some reason called Nick” — who had watched over him for three tense days and nights.
And the PM said he “will be grateful for the rest of my life” for their decisions.
