Boris Johnson out of intensive care but remains in hospital as he battles coronavirus

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Rebecca Speare-Cole10 April 2020

Boris Johnson has been moved out of intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister, 55, was moved into the ICU at about 7pm Monday night on the advice of his doctors after he began experiencing breathing difficulties.

But after three nights in intensive care his condition improved enought to be moved back to the ward and he is now in "extremely good spirits", Downing Street said.

A spokesman said: "The prime minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery."

A billboard van outside St Thomas' Hospital in Central London where Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted
PA

"He is in extremely good spirits."

Colleagues, MPs and world leaders were quick to congratulate the PM, including US President Donald Trump, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Mr Trump said: "Great News: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just been moved out of Intensive Care. Get well Boris!!!"

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “So good that the Prime Minister is out of intensive care and on the road to recovery.

"The NHS is there for us all and I know our amazing NHS staff have given him their characteristic world-class care.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been deputising for the PM said: "The news we all wanted to hear. Thank you to all the NHS staff helping the country and the PM to beat #coronavirus. Together we can all do our bit by staying home and protecting the NHS #StayHomeSaveLives."

Meanwhile, his partner Carrie Symonds tweeted a string of clapping emojis as she joined in the Clap For Carers campaign at 8pm.

Her tweet came less than an hour after it was confirmed Mr Johnson had been moved out of intensive care.

New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also tweeted: “This is good news. I hope it is the beginnings of a speedy recovery.”

The PM being moved from intensive care came after Downing Street said his condition was "improving" earlier on Thursday.

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The Prime Minister had a “good night” in St Thomas’ Hospital on Wednesday night and thanks the NHS for the “brilliant care” he has received, his official spokesman said.

Mr Johnson spent a total of three nights in ICU where he was said to be continuing “standard oxygen treatment," without the need of a ventilator.

Mr Johnson spent a total of three nights in ICU
Getty Images

Mr Raab is expected lead the Government's show of support for health staff in his absence.

The PM was last seen in public clapping for NHS workers in Downing Street last Thursday.

He was admitted to hospital on Sunday for tests and observation after his coronavirus symptoms persisted for 10 days.

His spokesman added that weekly “claps for carers” have been providing “wonderful, unifying moments” for the country. It is hoped that millions will turn out again at 8pm tonight.

“The Prime Minister thanks the NHS for the brilliant care which it is providing,” Mr Johnson’s spokesman said.

“The claps for carers have provided wonderful, unifying moments for the entire country. I’m sure that tonight we will once again see people in their millions paying tribute to our fantastic dedicated care workers.”

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Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the first big breakthrough in Mr Johnson’s health on Wednesday, when he said the PM was now “sitting up in bed” and “engaging positively” with medics

It is understood the PM has not taken part in any Covid-19 drug trials.

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