Saga of rumours, denials and admissions took the nation on an emotional rollercoaster
The rumours began a week after Boris Johnson began self-isolating in the flat above No 11 Downing Street. The story – spread by the prime minister and his aides – had thus far been reassuring.
Yes, he had Covid-19. But the symptoms were nothing to worry about. Mild even. And at a time when deaths from the pandemic were continuing to climb, Johnson had a firm grip on the crisis and the machinery of power.