British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was shifted to the intensive care unit on Monday night following a deterioration in his coronavirus symptoms, reported Reuters. The prime minister’s Downing Street office has confirmed that he was still conscious and does not require ventilation at the moment.
The 55-year-old, Boris Johnson, had been quarantined in his Downing Street residence since being diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 26. He continued to preside at daily meetings on the outbreak until Sunday when he was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital in central London. He had been undergoing tests after suffering persistent coronavirus symptoms, including a high temperature, for more than 10 days.
According to Downing Street, the prime minister’s condition deteriorated in the early evening and he was transferred at about 1800 GMT to an intensive care unit, where the most serious cases are treated.
“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,” a spokesman for his office said.
The prime minister has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputize for him.
Notably, hours before being admitted to the ICU, Johnson had tweeted that he was in good spirits after spending a night in the hospital.
“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,” Johnson tweeted.
The United States President Donald Trump was one of many world leaders who expressed concern over Johnson’s health condition, saying “Americans are all praying for his recovery.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hoped to see his British counterpart Boris Johnson in perfect health soon.
