Coronavirus: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in ‘good spirits’ as he fights Covid-19 in intensive care
- The Conservative leader was sent to intensive care on Monday, raising serious concerns about his health
- Spokesman gives update on Johnson’s condition as messages of support flood in from around the world
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in a stable condition and in “good spirits” Tuesday after he spent his first night in intensive care fighting persistent Covid-19 symptoms.
Johnson did not require a mechanical ventilator to assist his breathing, his spokesman said, but did receive standard oxygen treatment at a London hospital less than a mile from his residence.
The disclosure came as public concern mounted about the health status of 55-year-old Johnson, the most high profile leader in the world to fall ill from the coronavirus that has killed more than 75,000 globally.
First secretary of state Dominic Raab, who is foreign secretary, has been asked by Johnson, to step in and act as Britain’s leader “where necessary”, underlining the serious medical situation of the man leading the world’s sixth largest economy.
In a tightly controlled release of information, 10 Downing Street called Johnson’s transfer to intensive care a precautionary measure, so that he could stay close to a ventilator if and when he needed it.
A spokesperson said Johnson did not require invasive respiratory support, or intubation – a medical procedure that would have indicated the prime minister’s health was in serious decline.