Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
After spending a night in the intensive care unit (ICU) at London's St. Thomas Hospital, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly in "good spirits" and in stable condition as he continues treatment for coronavirus. He is not said to be in need of a ventilator, as some with severe cases often are.
Johnson, 55, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after his COVID-29 symptoms persisted while in self-isolation at Downing Street. His condition worsened by Monday night and he was transferred to the ICU at around 7 p.m. local time.
"The prime minister has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits," a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said in a statement. "He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and is breathing without any other assistance. He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support."
Multiple members of Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, and Prince Charles, have released statements expressing sympathy for Johnson's family and wishing him a speedy recovery.
In Johnson's absence, he has chosen Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to handle his duties leading the country while he remains in hospital. Officials stressed at a recent press conference that Raab is carrying out Johnson's duties from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with help from numerous other government officials.
There is no modern precedent for a sitting Prime Minister to be incapacitated and temporarily replaced in this manner.
