Coronavirus: Prime minister Boris Johnson moved to intensive care after his Covid-19 symptoms worsen

The 55-year-old was admitted to the central London hospital on Sunday after his coronavirus symptoms persisted for 10 days.

Having been in hospital for tests and observation, his doctors advised that he be admitted to intensive care this evening.

He is understood to be conscious and was moved to intensive care at about 7pm as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will ‘deputise where necessary’, a Number 10 spokesman said.

They added: ‘Over the course of this 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 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.’

The prime minister's official spokesman said this morning that Mr Johnson had been taken to hospital on the advice of his doctor and as a ‘precaution’ and it was not an emergency admission.

News of his move to intensive care has prompted a flurry of support from key figures in Portsmouth.

Taking to Twitter Penny Mordaunt, the Conservative MP for Portsmouth North, said: ‘My thoughts, and those of many round the country, will be with the PM and his loved ones as he fights this horrible virus.

‘If he had access to his twitter account I’m sure he’d say he was thinking of the many other families are going through the same such experiences tonight.’

Stephen Morgan, the Labour MP for Portsmouth South, said: ‘My thoughts are with the prime minister and Carrie [Symonds] at this time. Wishing the PM a speedy recovery.’

Meanwhile Alan Mak, the Conservative MP for Havant, said: ‘My thoughts and best wishes are with the prime minister @BorisJohnson and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.’

Well-wishes have also come from the Diocese of Portsmouth, which said it is praying for Mr Johnson and his loved ones, and Portsmouth Conservative leader Donna Jones, who tweeted: ‘Sending love to ⁦

@carriesymonds ⁩and Boris’ family at this worrying time. Thoughts are with all those battling #COVID19.’

SEE ALSO: University of Portsmouth makes 1,000 face shields for NHS workers in Portsmouth

The prime minister tweeted earlier today: ‘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.

‘I'd like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain.’

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