UK’s PM Boris Johnson has been admitted to the intensive care at a central London hospital after his Covid-19 symptoms worsened.
He was moved to the unit on the advice of his medical team and was receiving “excellent care”, Downing Street said.
Boris Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputize “where necessary”, a spokesman added.
The 55-year-old prime minister was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital with “persistent symptoms” on April 5.
According to Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II has been kept informed about Boris Johnson’s health by No 10.
Coronavirus: UK’s PM Boris Johnson Tests Positive For Virus
Coronavirus: President Trump Warns of “Toughest Week” of Pandemic Yet
Coronavirus: Prince Charles Tests Positive for Virus
Harvey Weinstein Tests Positive for Coronavirus
World leaders – including President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron – have expressed their support for Boris Johnson.
On April 7, cabinet minister Michael Gove said the prime minister was not on a ventilator.
A Downing Street 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 [April 6] 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 staement continued: “The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
Boris Johnson was initially taken to hospital for tests after announcing 11 days ago that he had the coronavirus. His symptoms included a high temperature and a cough.
President Trump said Americans “are all praying for his recovery”, describing Boris Johnson as “a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation” who is “strong” and “doesn’t give up”.
Prsident Macron said he sent “all my support to Boris Johnson, to his family and to the British people at this difficult moment”.
