Former Prime Minister John Howard ‘taken to hospital’: Report

Former Prime Minister John Howard has been taken to hospital in Sydney, Sky News Australia reports.

The 81-year-old reportedly told Sky News political reporter Andrew Clennell “there’s no cause for alarm” and “he’s fine” after he was transported to the hospital on Monday morning after visiting his GP.

The health issue is not believed to be coronavirus-related. According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, his office has confirmed he’s undergoing tests as a precautionary measure.

People have since taken to social media to wish the former politician a speedy recovery, with Twitter user @darrengilmore6 writing: “Wishing John Howard a speedy recovery.” While @BickfordRoo added: “Get well soon Johnny.”

This isn’t the first time the former prime minister has been rushed to hospital unexpectedly. Howard had two stents inserted in 2015 after suffering a heart scare. He was playing golf at the time when he experienced tightness in the chest and went to Royal North Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department. He was then transferred to North Shore Private where he had two stents inserted.

Howard, who was prime minister from 1996 to 2007, is the second-longest serving leader in Australia after Sir Robert Menzies.