Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister has been moved to an intensive care unit (ICU) as his condition has worsened, Downing Street have announced.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is to be deputised, as Deputy Prime Minister, a No 10 spokesman said on Monday evening.
Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London with “persistent symptoms” on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said, “Since Sunday evening, the Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
“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 PM 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.”
Johnson was moved to the ICU at St Thomas’ at around 7pm on Monday night after his condition worsened over the course of Monday, the spokesperson said, should he require a ventilator and need to be intubated.
The Prime Minister “remains conscious at this time”, the Downing Street spokesperson said.
Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist, told Sky New’s he believes it is likely Johnson is receiving oxygen to help his breathing.
The NHS website states that ICU’s are, “Specialist hospital wards that provide treatment and monitoring for people who are very ill.”
Adding, “Intensive care is needed if someone is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring, or if they’re having surgery and intensive care, can help them recover.
“Most people in an ICU have problems with one or more organs. For example, they may be unable to breathe on their own.”
Uniformed police officers are stationed at the entrance to St Thomas’ Hospital on Monday evening. Throughout the day officers and police vehicles could be seen entering and exiting St. Thomas’s hospital.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Twitter, “My thoughts are with the PM and his family, sending him every good wish.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said on Twitter, “My thoughts tonight are with @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds. I know he’ll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted, “Praying for the Prime Minister’s swift recovery tonight. @GSTTnhs has some of the finest medical staff in the world, and he couldn’t be in safer hands.”
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said, “Sending my best wishes at this worrying time to the PM @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds and hoping that his condition stabilises in his battle with #Coronavirus.”
Shadow deputy mental health minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said on Twitter, “I wish the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery and thank the NHS team looking after him and everyone at St Thomas’.
“Coronavirus can affect anyone, the symptoms can be really awful. Please, please, remind your friends and family to stay at home!”
The former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn tweeted, “My thoughts are with Boris Johnson and his family tonight.
“Thanks to the #NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
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