PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has made a statement outside Downing Street this morning as he returns to work following having coronavirus. 

Mr Johnson, who was hospitalised last month, said the UK was beginning  to 'turn the tide' on Covid-19 and there were real signs the country was 'passing through the peak'.

He said the UK had stopped the NHS being overwhelmed, with no shortage of ventillators or ICU beds.

The PM added if the virus was a mugger - and he said from personal experience it is - this is the moment when we are beginning to 'wrestle it to the floor'.

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He said it was also a time of 'maximum risk' as people may be tempted to ease up on lockdown restrictions.

Addressing British business directly, he said:"I understand your impatience, I share your anxiety."

He added the UK government could see the long term consequences of lockdown but said there was still the serious risk of a second spike and 'losing control' of the virus.

He warned it would be an 'economic disaster' as well as a health one if there had to be a second lockdown.

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Mr Johnson said he couldn't say when or how restrictions would be relaxed but it would be done with 'maximum possible transparency' and more would revealed in the coming days with consultation with devolved administrations and opposition parties.

Finishing he urged the public to 'keep going' and said Britain would 'emerge stronger'.