LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II is returning to work after a Covid scare, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, ending more than a week of heightened concern about the health of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch after it was announced that she had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The palace reported that the monarch was feeling well enough for virtual engagements and other duties. This includes audiences with representatives from other nations.
Queen Elizabeth, 95 years old, was the first to test positive for coronavirus. The palace described her symptoms mild.
Although it was not clear from where or who the queen contracted the infection, several other people in Windsor Castle, west London, tested positive for the virus, which suggests that there may have been an outbreak. The queen had just met Prince Charles, her eldest son, and heir. He was later confirmed to have been reinfected by the coronavirus.
In the days after she first tested positive, Elizabeth canceled some virtual engagements at least twice after showing mild symptoms but continued with “light duties,” the palace said.
She was vaccinated against coronavirus in January 2021. However, the palace has not confirmed if she received any subsequent doses. Charles has confirmed that he is fully immunized and that he received a booster.
However, concerns about her health were raised by the news that the queen had contracted a potentially fatal virus. This was despite the fact that she recently celebrated the 70th anniversary her reign. She was quarantined at Windsor Castle during the pandemic with Prince Philip, her husband who died in April at the age of 99.
In the fall, she cancelled multiple public appearances and was admitted into hospital for tests.
England’s coronavirus restrictions have now ended, including the legal requirement for those who received a positive test to isolate for five days. The so-called Covid passports will be phased out in April.
Mark LandlerContributed reporting
Source: NY Times
