Boris Johnson moved to intensive care
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to an intensive care unit of a London hospital after it was realised his coronavirus symptoms have worsened.
The PM’s office says he does not require any ventilation for the time being and he is conscious, 10 days after being diagnosed with the virus.
He is currently under the care of health professionals at St Thomas’ Hospital.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been asked to deputise for the PM.
"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," Downing Street said in a statement.
"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."
The 55-year-old PM had been under strict quarantine measures in his Downing Street residence since he was diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 26.
He was declared the first known head of government to fall ill with the deadly virus.
Mr Johnson had continued his work via video isolation where necessary until Sunday when he was taken to hospital.
Mr Johnson downplayed his hospital visit, regarding it as “routine tests” and said he was in “good spirits”.
"Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms," he said via social media.
"I'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe."
A spokesman for the British PM denied reports made by the Russian media that he had been placed on a ventilator in hospital, describing it as “misinformation”.
His spokesman said on Monday that Johnson had spent a comfortable night in the intensive care unit and remained in charge of the Government despite symptoms of a cough and fever persisting.