"I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine"
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received messages of support as he remains in intensive care.
After his Coronavirus symptoms worsened, he was moved to the unit. Cabinet colleagues confirmed that he had received oxygen treatment but he was not on a ventilator.
The PM was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital with “persistent symptoms” on April 5, 2020.
Michael Gove, cabinet office minister, said Mr Johnson’s deteriorating condition had been “a cause for concern” but when asked whether the PM had been diagnosed with pneumonia, Mr Gove said:
“I’m not aware of that.”
A statement said:
“The Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
“Over the course of [Monday] afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.
“The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
The PM previously tweeted about his admission to hospital.
Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020
Officials said that Mr Johnson remained conscious. After a day in which Downing Street insisted that Mr Johnson was “in charge” of the government and running its policy response to Coronavirus, the development shook up the government.
On the situation, Mr Gove said that “No 10 will ensure the country is updated.”
On April 7, 2020, Mr Gove told the BBC’s Today Programme:
“There’s no suggestion of anything other than a great team spirit in this government as we all work together at this time.
“He has amazing energy, great determination, a desire all the time to make sure things are moving forward.
“He’s a force of nature, a bundle of energy, determined to do the very best for the country he loves.”
Mr Gove added that leading up to his hospital admission, the PM had been given a “stripped back diary”.
According to Buckingham Palace, the Queen has been kept updated about Mr Johnson’s health.
Many have sent messages of support to the PM.
US President Donald Trump opened his daily Coronavirus conference with a tribute:
“I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine, and a friend to our nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“We are very saddened to hear that he was taken into intensive care this afternoon.
“Americans are all praying for his recovery – he’s been a really good friend and something very special: strong, resolute, doesn’t quit, doesn’t give up.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: “I know he’ll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted:
Hang in there, Prime Minister @BorisJohnson! Hope to see you out of hospital and in perfect health very soon.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2020
Home Secretary Priti Patel wished Boris Johnson a “speedy recovery” and said, “we are thinking of you”.
Mr Johnson’s friend and former direction of communications Will Walden told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Mr Johnson is “far fitter than he looks”.
“He will whip anybody’s backside on a tennis court, he runs regularly, he doesn’t smoke, he drinks moderately.”
“So I think if anyone is in a good position both physically and mentally to fight off the disease then the prime minister is that person.”
There is no formal succession plan should Boris Johnson become incapacitated, but Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been asked to deputise for him “where necessary”.
Loading ...