UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to an intensive care unit (in case he needs ventilation) on Monday after his condition with Covid-19 symptoms deteriorates
He was first admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday evening for “routine tests” and affirmed on social media that he was in “good spirits.”
Politicians in the UK voice their support for him as the country battles a pandemic that has killed more than 5,000 people.
Downing Street spokesman said: “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 move strikes a sharp contrast to earlier reports on Johnson’s condition: During his period of self-isolation, Downing Street had said that Johnson’s symptoms were “mild,” and on Sunday said his hospitalization was just a “precautionary step.”
He is been deputised by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State and the most senior Cabinet minister.
Raab chaired Monday’s regular morning coronavirus briefing, saying the government will continue Johnson’s direction in responding to the outbreak.