Downing Street has announced that Boris Johnson is “responding to treatment” and in a stable condition but remains in intensive care.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister remains clinically stable and is responding to treatment. He continues to be cared for in the intensive care unit at St Thomas’ hospital. He is in good spirits.”
The update comes after Johnson spent a second night in intensive care after testing positive for coronavirus 10 days before he was admitted to hospital.
The spokesperson went on to say: “The information in the update we have provided was given to us by St Thomas’ Hospital, and it contains all of the information that the PM’s medical team considers to be clinically relevant.”
It has been confirmed that the Prime Minister is not working while he recovers and that Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, has taken over his duties.
Speaking at the coronavirus daily briefing on Tuesday,
said he was confident that the PM would recover from his illness, also describing him as a “fighter.”
At the time, Johnson was receiving standard oxygen treatment and was breathing without assistance while being closely monitored by the critical care team, as is usual clinical practice.
The PM had been self-isolating in Number 10 after testing positive for coronavirus but began to experience breathing problems and was taken to hospital at 8 pm on Sunday.
At 7 pm on Monday, it was announced by a spokesperson at No 10 that Johnson had taken a turn for the worse. On the advice of his medical team, he had been moved to the intensive care unit.
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
The Prime Minister has received many well wishes from world leaders since he announced his battle with coronavirus, including American President Trump, who said: “I’ve gotten to know him. He’s such an incredible guy” and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who wished Johnson a quick recovery, saying, “his optimism and sense of humour” would help him get better.
Religious leaders have also paid tribute with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby saying: “The news that our prime minister has been moved to intensive care deepens our compassion for all who are seriously ill and for those caring for them. I invite all people of faith to join me in praying for Boris Johnson and his loved ones.”
Boris Johnson initially faced criticism of his handling of the coronavirus outbreak due to his decision to go with a softer approach than other European leaders; however, he changed tack when shown the projections of his strategy and the number of deaths it would lead to, gaining the support and trust of the British public.
In fact, inspired by the “Clap for NHS” campaign, Britons created the #ClapForBoris, which took place last night at 8 pm. Residents up and down the country stood outside their homes to applaud the Prime Minister, wishing him a speedy recovery and showing their thanks to him for working tirelessly to solve the pandemic.
