The political editor of LBC is “on the road to recovery” after being hospitalised with pneumonia and suspected coronavirus (Covid-19).
Theo Usherwood’s family said on Thursday morning he was “receiving the very best care” at a London hospital, explaining his recent absence from the radio station.
He has now posted that he is hoping to be allowed home from the hospital today (Monday).
A statement from Usherwood’s family, posted on his Twitter page on Thursday, said: “A few LBC listeners have been wondering where Theo has been over the last couple of weeks. We just wanted to update them.
“Theo has been diagnosed with pneumonia and is suspected of having Covid-19. However, he is receiving the very best care from our world-leading NHS at a London hospital.
“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our thanks and gratitude for all the hard work, dedication and compassion shown by the staff treating Theo and others in a similar position. Their kindness and professionalism in the face of adversity has known no limits.
“We won’t be making any further comment at this time. We would ask that our privacy is respected.”
Before that statement, Usherwood had not tweeted since 5 March, although he retweeted other people’s posts on 9 and 11 March.
He has today said: “Just a short note to say thank you for all the love. I felt it so strongly during the darkness last week.
“I so desperately want the wonderful NHS staff who saved my life, to save the lives of thousands of others too. Please stay at home.”
Well-wishers have included Usherwood’s LBC colleague Iain Dale, who tweeted: “We are all missing Theo terribly. You will now understand why you haven’t heard him on air for a while. Get well soon my friend.”
In an update this morning, Dale said he had spoken to Usherwood on the phone and described him as being “on the road to recovery”.
“[He] wants to thank everyone who’s sent him their good wishes over the last few days,” Dale said. “It really has meant the world to him to know how many people have been thinking of him.”
A Times journalist tested positive for coronavirus last week while there are confirmed cases at the Irish Times and Conde Nast.
A number of cases have also been confirmed at Westminster, including Nadine Dorries MP.
Read all Press Gazette’s coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and the news industry here
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
