British leader in intensive care
PM ill with COVID-19 but is still in charge, spokesman says
LONDON — 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.
The prime minister’s spokesman said Johnson had spent a comfortable night and remained in charge of the government despite being admitted to St. Thomas’ Hospital after COVID-19 symptoms of a cough and fever persisted.
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.
The prime minister’s spokesman said earlier Monday that Johnson had spent a comfortable night and remained in charge of the 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.
Johnson’s fiancée, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant, is herself recovering from coronavirus symptoms.
Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth II was being kept informed about Johnson’s condition.