PM moved to intensive care
Trump conveys ‘well wishes’
LONDON, April 7, (AP): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit of a London hospital after his coronavirus symptoms dramatically worsened Monday, just a day after he was admitted for what were said to be routine tests.
Johnson was admitted to St. Thomas’ Hospital late Sunday, 10 days after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, the first major world leader to be confirmed to have the virus.
The 55-year-old Conservative was conscious and did not require ventilation, but he was moved into intensive care in case he needs it later, his office said in a statement.
Britain has no official post of deputy prime minister, but Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been designated to take over should Johnson become incapacitated.
A grave-looking Raab said Johnson was “in safe hands” at the hospital, which is treating many virus patients.
“The government’s business will continue,” Raab said. He said Johnson had asked him “to deputize for him where needed in driving forward the government’s plans to defeat coronavirus.”
The deterioration of Johnson’s health took many in Britain by surprise. Hours earlier, he had tweeted that he was in good spirits and thanked the National Health Service for taking care of him and others with the disease.
“On the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms,” Johnson said in the tweet. He said he was keeping in touch with his team “as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.”
The prime minister’s spokesman said earlier Monday that Johnson had spent a comfortable night and remained in charge of government after being admitted to the hospital because his cough and fever persisted.
Speaking earlier at the government’s daily coronavirus press briefing, Raab said Johnson was being “regularly updated,” but said he had not spoken to him since Saturday.
Johnson had been quarantined in his Downing Street residence since being diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 26. He continued to preside at daily meetings on the outbreak until Sunday. He released several video messages during his 10 days in isolation urging
Britons to stay home and observe social distancing measures to help slow the spread of the virus.
News that Johnson had been transferred to intensive care drew an outpouring of support from around the world.
U.S. President Donald Trump said “Americans are all praying for his recovery.”
“He’s been a really good friend,” Trump said during a White House press briefing. “He’s been really something very special – strong, resolute, doesn’t quit, doesn’t give up.”
Trump said he asked two “leading companies” to contact officials in London about therapeutics that could be of help. He did not identify the companies, but said “we have contacted all of Boris’s doctors, and we’ll see what’s going to take place, but they are ready to go.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet that he was sending his support to Johnson, his family and “the British people at this difficult time. I wish him well.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron who went to school with Johnson, said in a tweet that he was thinking of Johnson and his family and that he was “in great hands, and we all want you safe, well and back in @10DowningStreet.”
The new leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, said on Twitter: “Terribly sad news. All the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Johnson’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant, is herself recovering from coronavirus symptoms.
Johnson was admitted to the hospital as a message to the nation from Queen Elizabeth II was being broadcast Sunday evening. The 93-year-old monarch urged the public to show resolve and follow advice to stay inside.
Buckingham Palace said the queen was being kept informed about Johnson’s condition.
Concerns had been growing about Johnson’s welfare ever since he posted a message Friday in which he appeared red-eyed and flushed, saying that he was feeling better, though was still feverish.
Johnson has continued to work throughout his illness, to the concern of some of his colleagues. With the U.K. still approaching the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, both he and his government are under intense pressure.
Scribe’s killer sentenced to 23 years:
A Slovakian court on Moday sentenced a former soldier to 23 years in prison for the alleged contract killings of an investigative journalist and his fiancee, a case that triggered a political crisis and brought down the country’s government.
The court in the town of Pezinok, north of the capital Bratislava, convicted Miroslav Marcek over the fatal shootings of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova in February 2018. Marcek had pleaded guilty in January.
A ruling is also pending for three other defendants in the case, including the businessman accused of masterminding the slayings. All three have pleaded not guilty to murder, and face prison sentences of 25 years to life if convicted. It is not clear when a verdict might be issued.
A fifth suspect made an agreement to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a lesser sentence and received a 15-year prison term on Dec 30.
The suspected mastermind, Marian Kocner, had allegedly threatened the journalist following publication of a story about his business dealings. Prosecutors claimed he paid Marcek a total of 70,000 euros ($75,500) for the killing. The 27-yearold Kuciak was shot in the chest and the 27-year-old Kusnirova was shot in the head at their home in the town of Velka Maca, east of Bratislava, on Feb 21, 2018. (AP)