London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had tested positive for COVID-19 last month, was shifted to ICU after his condition worsened on Monday, 10 Downing Street spokesman has confirmed.
The Prime Minister remains conscious at this time and the decision to move him to ICU is precautionary in case he needs ventilation, the spokesman added.
In an official statement, 10 Downing Street said:
“Since Sunday evening, 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 this (Monday) afternoon, the condition of the PM has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.
The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the first secretary of state, to deputise for him where necessary.
The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”