BORIS Johnson’s dad Stanley and Carrie’s parents might only be able to meet their new grandchild over Zoom because of lockdown restrictions.
The PM was allowed to be at Carrie’s bedside despite some hospitals telling dads to keep their distance because of coronavirus risk.
Stanley Johnson said he was thrilled at the birth of his grandson, but wasn’t sure when he would be able to meet him.
He told HOAR: “I’m absolutely delighted”.
When asked if he would be visiting, he said: “I’m actually down in Somerset, 100 miles away, I’d have to get special permission so I’m not sure that’s possible at the moment.”
Lockdown restrictions mean people aren’t allowed to make non-essential travel – even to see loved ones or newborn family members.
While Carrie’s parents, Matthew Symonds and Josephine McAfee, both live in London, they would still be bound by the tight restrictions ensuring Brits stay at home.
To stop the spread of coronavirus most hospitals have stopped or significantly reduced visitors in hospitals as well.
Most NHS trusts have made a blanket policy of banning visitors, with a few exceptions.
Many hospitals, including St Thomas’ where Boris’ baby may have been born, have banned visitors for adult patients.
But there is an exception on maternity wards, where one partner is allowed for women in labour.
Where possible, patients seriously ill or receiving end-of-life care may be allowed to visitors.
Parents are allowed to visit children, but this is limited to one parent or carer.
Anyone with any symptoms of coronavirus, or who lives with someone with coronavirus is not allowed into hospital.
With Stanley Johnson on the other side of the country and people unable to go out except for essential reasons, he would need special permission to travel – or else have to catch up with his son and grandchild via Zoom.
Visiting family members, even newborn grandchildren, is not an excuse to leave the home, according to the Government’s own advice.
Boris’ siblings, Jo, Rachel and Leo Johnson, also won’t be able to meet their newborn nephew for the same reason.
It might be that the only member of the Johnson clan able to meet the new baby is the couple’s dog, Dilyn, who was rescued from a shelter last year and living with them in the Downing Street flat.
A spokesman for the PM said earlier today: “The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well.
“The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team.”
