Downing Street has rejected claims by Boris Johnson's half brother that the PM's treatment before he went to the hospital was a "shambles".
Max Johnson, 35, who lives in Hong Kong and admitted he wasn't in Downing Street while his brother was getting treatment, said the PM was grateful to the NHS but claimed that the care he received before being hospitalised hadn't been up to scratch.
The Hong Kong-based businessman told CNN: "From what I gather, and I wasn't there, no one asked a doctor to mask up and physically examine him the whole time - more than 10 days.
"He'd tested positive so there was no doubt what he was dealing with. The word 'shambles' comes to mind.
"What's the point of bodyguards when you can't have a doctor? The Office of Prime Minister needs better protection."
But Downing St rejected Max Johnson's characterisation of the PM's treatment.
Downing Street described the Prime Minister's health as a "private matter" adding it would be "inaccurate" to suggest Boris Johnson hadn't been physically examined by a doctor before entering hospital.
A government source told the Mirror: "It is admirable that Max is concerned about his brother's wellbeing - but his account doesn't match up with reality."
Mr Johnson was admitted to hospital last Sunday with 'persistent' Covid-19 symptoms following a Zoom consultation with his doctor, according to sources.
Earlier today Mr Johnson's spokesman confirmed he has not set out a timetable to return to work as he continues his recovery at Chequers.
He said: "The Prime Minister has been discharged to continue his recovery as Chequers and would not be returning to work immediately on the advice of his medical team."
It means Dominic Raab will continue to deputise for the PM on key issues until he returns to government.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said that confirmed that Mr Johnson tested negative for Covid-19 on leaving hospital.
Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "I'm told it is standard practice in hospital to do that. And the results came back negative."
Asked why he was at Chequers and not his primary residence at No 10, the spokesman said: "it is considered to be a suitable place for the PM to continue his recovery".
Asked about how long Mr Johnson's recovery could his spokesman said he didn't have a date and would not speculate - but it would be led by the medical advice.
Pressed on how ill the PM was, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "As we set out, his condition did worsen over the course of last Monday afternoon and he had to be moved to the intensive care unit.
"Now, clearly, if a person is moved to intensive care, that means that they are requiring a significant level of specialist treatment.
"So, I think it was clear from the moment the Prime Minister was moved to intensive care that his condition had worsened."
It comes after Mr Johnson paid tribute to the NHS as he was discharged, saying there is "no question" it saved his life after he contracted coronavirus.
The Prime Minister, speaking in a video released shortly after he was discharged from hospital, admitted there was a 48-hour period when things "could have gone either way".
Speaking in the video message posted online Mr Johnson thanked the "utterly brilliant" doctors, and praised the nurses for their "astonishing" care.
He said the NHS would be "unconquerable" in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: "I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life, no question.
"It's hard to find the words to express my debt - but before I come to that, I want to thank everyone in the entire UK for the effort and the sacrifice you have made and are making."
Last week Boris Johnson's sister-in-law said she had tested positive for Covid-19.
Gabriela Maia, who is married to half-brother, Max, said she is "still recovering from the virus with some respiratory difficulties".
The 30-year-old, who is pregnant, told the Daily Mail: "I am OK now and I just feel so lucky to be alive and I pray that my baby is safe.
"My heart just melts for the ones who haven't been so lucky. It's really, really sad."
