DOWNING Street have slapped down Russian fake news after the country’s state media claimed Boris Johnson is on a ventilator.
The Prime Minister was admitted to a London hospital on Sunday evening – 10 days after testing positive for the virus – and stayed the night there.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
9
A report by RIA Novosti then claimed the PM was on “artificial lung ventilation”, and had been rushed to hospital.
Part of Vladimir Putin’s state run media, the report has now been slapped down by No 10.
The PM’s spokesman said: “That is disinformation.
“Our specialist Government units have seen a rise in false and misleading narratives since the coronavirus pandemic began.
“It is important it is knocked down quickly.
“We are working closely with social media companies to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours.”
9
9
9
9
The news agency claimed it’s source was “close to the top of England’s national healthcare system”, but was not named.
It was also shared by Sputnik, another state-owned new outlet said to be linked to the Kremlin.
They said: “UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has tested positive for COVID-19, will get artificial lung ventilation, a source close to the UK healthcare authorities told Sputnik.”
The fake news was also bashed by BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Daniel Sandford, who used to work in Moscow for the corporation.
He tweeted: “Well, either the Russian news agency has amazing sources or this is a shocking lie.
“Assuming this is untrue, it is a truly dreadful bit of misinformation.”
It comes as The Times today claimed the PM was given oxygen treatment after arriving at the hospital.
No10 stressed it was not an emergency trip and was a planned visit on advice from his doctor.
The admission was a “precautionary step” as he continued to have “persistent symptoms”, thought to be a high temperature.
The move comes after aides became increasingly worried about his health as Mr Johnson continued to show symptoms more than a week after he tested positive.
Government aides said Boris had been “coughing and spluttering” on video conference calls over the past few days.
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
9
9
9
9
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
