The latest updates on PM Boris Johnson
Here are the latest updates on PM Boris Johnson, following his recent hospitalisation.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday following his doctor’s advice.
He had been confirmed as having Covid-19 10 days earlier.
Last night at around 19:00, Mr Johnson was moved to intensive care after his condition worsened. His condition is not thought to have changed overnight.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said:
“As we speak the Prime Minister is in intensive care being looked after by his medical team, receiving the very, very best care from the team at St Thomas’ and our hopes and prayers are with him and with his family.
He is not on a ventilator. The Prime Minister has received some oxygen support.
He is kept, of course, under close supervision. By being in intensive care if there is further support he needs it is there at hand. But the Prime Minister has not been on a ventilator.”
In light of these developments, PM Boris Johnson tweeted:
“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.”
“I’d like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain. Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”
Professor Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at University College London (UCL), said:
“It seems clear that the Prime Minister went to hospital because he had difficulty breathing. It seems he was initially put on oxygen, and was conscious.
But as often happens with Covid-19, his condition has now deteriorated so he has been admitted to intensive care where he is very likely to have been put on a mechanical ventilator to breathe for him.”
A spokesperson for Downing Street has said that despite his admission to hospital, Boris Johnson continues to lead the UK through the Covid-19 crisis.
It had previously been suggested that should Boris Johnson contract Covid-19, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would take his place and lead the UK government.
Recent events suggest that this plan may have changed, as Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “still very much in charge of the government.” Mr Jenrick said:
“We hope that as a result of these tests [the prime minister] will be able to come back to Downing Street as soon as possible.
“He’s been working extremely hard leading the government and being constantly updated. That’s going to continue.”
“I’m sure this is very frustrating for him, for somebody like Boris who wants to be hands [on] running the government from the front, but nonetheless he’s still very much in charge of the government.”
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