COVID-19: Boris Johnson In Intensive Care As Health Status Worsens

• World Leaders, Trump, Macron send good wishes

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has been moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened late Monday with the overall charge of government now handed over to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab,

In an unprecedented development during a public health crisis, the Prime Minister was moved to intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, at 7pm on Monday.

An official said the measure was taken as a precaution in case he needed ventilation to further stabilize his condition.

Johnson remained conscious on Monday night and a No 10 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 Prime Minister has asked Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, who is the first secretary of state, to deputise for him where necessary.

“The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”

Intensive care beds are reserved for those who are very ill, and in the case of Covid-19, often those who need to be put on a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe.

Since first being admitted to St Thomas’ on Sunday evening, Johnson, 55, is understood to have received oxygen through a non-invasive mask only.

His pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds – herself recovering from coronavirus symptoms – is also said to be deeply anxious about Johnson’s condition.

Shortly after the announcement, Raab appeared on the airwaves in an attempt to reassure the public, saying government business would continue.

He told the BBC there was an “incredibly strong team spirit” behind Johnson and that ministers would focus on delivering the plans the Prime Minister had already put in place.

Raab said the Prime Minister was in safe hands and receiving excellent care and vowed that the government would bring the whole country through the pandemic.

Buckingham Palace said of the Queen: “Her Majesty has been kept informed by No 10.”

The decision to hand over power to Raab, 46, was taken after concern in the cabinet and among MPs that Johnson should have been resting instead of working.

It also comes amid suggestions that the seriousness of the Prime Minster’s coronavirus symptoms, including a persistent cough and high temperature, were being underplayed by himself and his aides.

News of Johnson’s hospitalisation, 11 days after he developed a cough and high temperature, has continued to cause national and international concern, with world leaders from US President Donald Trump to French President, Emmanuel Macron sending their best wishes and support for Johnson’s quick recovery.

Trump said: “We’re very saddened to hear that [Johnson] was taken into intensive care this afternoon, a little while ago, and Americans are all praying for his recovery. He’s been a really good friend. He’s been really something very special: strong resolute, doesn’t quit, doesn’t give up.”

He said two companies offering treatment for coronavirus have been asked to contact London “immediately”.

According the US President; “They’ve really advanced therapeutics … and they have arrived in London already, the London office has whatever they need. We’ll see if we can be of help. We’ve contacted all of Boris’ doctors, and we’ll see what is going to take place, but they are ready to go.” – The Guardian