BREAKING NEWS

The Prime Minister was transferred to the ICU at St Thomas' Hospital in London at 7pm this evening
He remains conscious and Number 10 sources stressed he had been moved to intensive care as a precaution

Mr Johnson has asked foreign secretary Dominic Raab to deputise for him 'where necessary', although it is understood Mr Raab will not formally become a temporary prime minister.

Speaking tonight after the PM was moved to intensive care, Mr Raab insisted that 'government business will continue' and said there is a fantastic 'team spirit' among ministers.

He also reassured that the premier was 'receiving excellent care' and thanked the NHS medics who were treating him and other patients across Britain.


On Friday, the PM released a selfie video from self-isolation in Number 11 revealing he still had the symptoms of Covid-19

A Number 10 spokesperson 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.'

The PM revealed he had tested positive on March 27 and started self-isolating in his Number 11 flat, where he resolved to continue leading his team of ministers and officials.

He was last seen on Friday, when he posted a video message on Twitter revealing he was still suffering from a high temperature.

Senior doctors tonight branded the PM's admission to intensive care a 'huge concern' and underscores how indiscriminate the virus is.

Dr Simon Clarke, a professor on cellular microbiology at Reading University, told Sky News: 'The NHS particularly in this moment doesn't give up intensive care beds just for people to be looked over. It doesn't work that way even for PMs.

'He wouldn't be in intensive care unless he needed to be in intensive care. Especially not at this time.'

Prof Derek Hill, Professor of Medical Imaging, University College London, said: '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 breath for him.'

He added: 'One of the features of COVID-19 in all countries seems to be that many more men become seriously ill than women - especially in the over 40 age group.

'Also we know that people under about 60 seem to have a higher chance of making a recovery from critical illness with COVID-19 than older people. But there is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick.'

Politicians of all stripes rallied around Mr Johnson, including from ex-prime minister David Cameron and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'My thoughts are with the PM and his family - sending him every good wish.'

Business minister Nadim Zahawi tweeted: 'Thoughts & prayers for @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds and their family. I have known Boris for 20 years he is a fighter and will beat this virus.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...sive-care.html