Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care after his condition worsened.
Boris Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday night – 10 days after testing positive for coronavirus – due to “persistent” symptoms of COVID-19.
He was initially admitted for further tests but Mr Johnson’s health has since deteriorated, Number 10 said.
The prime minister, 55, is understood to have experienced breathing difficulties on Monday afternoon and was given oxygen.
He remains conscious and has not been put on a ventilator, but was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he later need one.
A No 10 statement read: “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 [Monday] 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.”
It continued: “The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
Boris Johnson phoned Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab to asking him to deputise “where necessary”, a request made before Mr Johnson was moved to intensive care.
The Queen has been kept informed of the developments, a Buckingham Palace source told Sky News.
Moreso, Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer has described it as “terribly sad news”, saying, “All the country’s thoughts are with the prime minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Also adding his voice is the US President, Donald Trump who said Americans “are all praying for his recovery”.
He opened his daily coronavirus news conference at the White House with a tribute to Britain’s prime minister, saying: “I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine, and a friend to our nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson.”
Donald Trump described Mr Johnson as “a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation” who is “strong” and “doesn’t give up”.
Mr Johnson was initially taken to hospital for routine tests after testing positive for coronavirus 10 days ago. His symptoms included a high temperature and a cough.
Earlier on Monday, he tweeted that he was in “good spirits”.
Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020
