UNITED Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to an intensive care unit after his condition worsened, Downing Street has said.
A No 10 spokesman said: “Since Sunday evening, the prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
“Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.
The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the first secretary of state, to deputise for him where necessary.
“The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
Johnson said earlier yesterday he was “in good spirits”, following his hospital admission after failing to shake off symptoms of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
“Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms,” Johnson tweeted, 10 days after he tested positive for Covid-19.
“I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe,” he wrote.
Johnson thanked “all the brilliant NHS (National Health Service) staff taking care of him and others in this difficult time.”
One of his ministers said earlier that Johnson remains “very much in charge” of the government and is expected to return to his Downing Street office soon.
“He’s been working extremely hard, leading the government and being constantly updated,” Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told the BBC.
Johnson, 55, was taken to hospital on Sunday for tests.
He experienced “persistent” mild symptoms, his office said, adding that his hospital admission was “a precautionary step.”
“Obviously today, he’s in hospital having the tests but he will continue to be kept informed as to what’s happening and to be in charge of the government.
“I’m sure this is very frustrating for him, for somebody like Boris who wants to be hands-on running the government from the front, but nonetheless he’s still very much in charge of the government,” Jenrick told the broadcaster.
Downing Street said Johnson spent a “comfortable night” in hospital on Sunday but declined to comment on whether he had been given oxygen or had contracted pneumonia.
