Boris Johnson has thanked NHS staff for saving his life while he was treated for coronavirus in intensive care.

The prime minister issued a short statement as he continues his recovery at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London.

“I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “I owe them my life.”

Mr Johnson was admitted to hospital last Sunday with persistent symptoms of Covid-19, including a high temperature and cough.

He then spent three nights in intensive care following a deterioration in his condition on Monday.

The prime minister had recovered enough to move back to the ward on Thursday night.

Downing Street said he had “waved his thanks” to doctors and nurses, and described him as being “in very good spirits”.

Mr Johnson, 55, is said to have taken short walks to aid his rehabilitation.

It remains unclear whether he would be able to return to work in time to decide on any extension of the lockdown from 16 April.

“The prime minister is just beginning his recovery and he will be taking advice from his medical team,” No 10 said.