Boris Johnson spends night in intensive care with worsened coronavirus symptoms amid outpouring of support

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Luke O'Reilly7 April 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care while fighting the coronavirus, prompting an outpouring of support from around the world.

Mr Johnson was moved to the critical unit at St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Monday evening after his symptoms of Covid-19 worsened.

He was understood to be conscious when he was moved to intensive care at about 7pm. The move was said to be a precaution should he require ventilation.

After the news emerged, it was announced that the Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab will deputise for the PM and lead the Government's battle against the crisis "where necessary".

Politicians and world leaders from across the political spectrum paid tribute to Mr Johnson, who was first admitted to hospital on Sunday , some 10 days after he tested positive for the virus .

US President Donald Trump sent his "very best wishes" to Mr Johnson , who he described as "a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation".

“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 at a press briefing. “But when you get brought into intensive care, that gets very, very serious with this particular disease."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “My thoughts are with Prime Minister @BorisJohnson and his family this evening. I wish him a speedy and full recovery.”

European Council President Charles Michel posted on Twitter: “Wishing @BorisJohnson the very best for a full recovery. Our thoughts are with his family and the British people at this difficult time. Get well soon, Boris.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Terribly sad news. All the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen was being kept informed by Downing Street about the condition of Mr Johnson – the 14th prime minister of her reign.

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It came as Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at University College London (UCL), said there was no doubt the PM was "extremely sick".

Mr Hill said that Boris Johnson being taken to the ICU highlighted three of the important healthcare needs of Covid-19 patients.

“Firstly, many patients need help breathing, and there is a shortage of the mechanical ventilators that can do this – and in particular a shortage of the high quality intensive care ventilators most suitable for Covid-19 patients who might need help breathing for over a week," he said.

“Secondly, Covid-19 patients need a huge amount of oxygen to help them breathe – which is potentially going to be in short supply.

“Thirdly, looking after people in intensive care requires skilled staff, and the experience of New York has been that finding enough skilled staff has been the greatest challenge.”

Announcing his move to intensive care, a Number 10 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.”

In a statement recorded after Mr Johnson’s admission, Mr Raab said: “The Government’s business will continue.

“The Prime Minister is in safe hands with that brilliant team at St Thomas’ Hospital, and the focus of the Government will continue to be on making sure that the Prime Minister’s direction, all the plans for making sure that we can defeat coronavirus and can pull the country through this challenge, will be taken forward.”

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Mr Johnson’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds, previously said she had been suffering Covid-19 symptoms, but is “on the mend”. Ms Symonds, 32, who is expecting the couple’s first baby in early summer, said she was not tested for the virus.

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