Virus-hit Johnson in intensive care
RAAB IN CHARGE British PM given oxygen support in ICU of St Thomas Hospital in London; foreign secretary takes charge in his absence from office
LONDON: Stricken by the coronavirus, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson remains in the intensive care unit (ICU) in St Thomas’ Hospital in London. A senior cabinet minister revealed on Tuesday that he is not on a ventilator, but has been given oxygen support.
Johnson, 55, was moved to the ICU on Monday night after being hospitalised on Sunday night. The developments raised questions over transparency in official communication, when until recently officials said he had “mild symptoms”.
Michael Gove, minister for the cabinet office, said, “The prime minister is not on a ventilator. He has received oxygen support. One of the reasons for being in intensive care is to make sure that whatever support the medical team considered to be appropriate can be provided.”
“The prime minister was taken into hospital on Sunday. He was undergoing a series of tests, his condition deteriorated. And the medical advice was that he should be moved to intensive care at around seven o’clock last night,” he added.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab is now deputising for Johnson. Several word leaders including Indian PM Narendra Modi sent him get-well messages on Twitter as the threat from Covid-19 affecting usually well protected top echelons of government raised further concern.
Gove said, “The work of government goes on, we have a superb civil service and they have ensured that the machinery is there for decisions to be made by ministers.”
Johnson’s partner, Carrie Symonds, who is expecting, had also tested positive for the disease and is recovering. Latest figures put the death toll from the virus in the UK at 5,373 and the number of cases at 51,608.
The mood across the UK turned gloomier when it was announced on Monday night that Johnson had been moved to intensive care as messages from world leaders poured in.
Johnson’s political friends, foes and others rallied for his quick return to Downing Street, with many calling for national clapping in his support at 8pm on Tuesday. # Clapforboris trended, but critics insisted they would not join, given his controversial handling of the pandemic.
Ministers reiterated the core message to stay at home and cited Johnson’s hospitalisation as an example that the virus can infect anyone, and cited his previous robust health maintained by regular runs and cycling as not making him immune to it.
Modi was among world leaders wishing Johnson speedy recovery. He tweeted, “You’re a fighter and you will overcome this challenge. Prayers for you good health and best wishes in ensuring a healthy UK.”
US President Donald Trump said Americans “are all praying for his recovery”. Russia President Vladimir Putin wished Johnson a speedy recovery, saying he was “convinced that your energy, optimism and sense of humour will help you overcome the disease”.