British PM Johnson leaves hospital’s ICU
LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved out of intensive care Thursday at the London hospital where he is being treated for the new coronavirus, as his government told Britons to prepare for several more weeks in lockdown.
Johnson had been in the ICU at St. Thomas’ Hospital since Monday after his symptoms worsened.
Johnson’s office said he was “moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery.”
It said Johnson was in “extremely good spirits.”
The British leader tested positive for the new coronavirus two weeks ago and at first had only mild symptoms. He was hospitalized Sunday and taken to the ICU a day later. Johnson had been receiving oxygen without being placed on a ventilator.
His condition appeared to be improving over the past day or so. Earlier Thursday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been standing in for the prime minister during key meetings, said Johnson was “making positive steps forward.”
News of Johnson’s improving condition was welcomed across the British political spectrum — and by President Donald Trump, who tweeted: “Great News: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just been moved out of Intensive Care. Get well
Boris!!!”
As Johnson recovered, the government told Britons it was too early to ease restrictions on public activity imposed March 23 to try to slow the spread of the virus.
The original restrictions were for three weeks, a period that ends Monday. Raab said the government would assess the evidence again next week.
The U.K. reported over 61,000 cases, with nearly 8,000 deaths, according to government figures.