Prime minister Boris Johnson has been able to get out of bed and take “short walks” as part of his recovery from coronavirus, Downing Street has said.

Mr Johnson tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago and was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in central London on Sunday as his symptoms persisted.

He was admitted to the intensive care unit on Monday and remained there for three nights before being moved back on to a general ward on Thursday.

“The prime minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.

“His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.”

News of Mr Johnson’s improving condition came after warnings that he would need time to recover from his illness.

Dr Chris Smith, from the University of Cambridge, told the Press Association it was likely the prime minister would be “weak and exhausted” for a “significant” period of time, potentially several weeks, following his stay in intensive care.

“Being severely unwell and sufficiently ill to warrant ITU [intensive treatment unit] admission really takes it out of you and leaves people weak and exhausted for a significant period of time afterwards,” Dr Smith said.

Mr Johnson’s father, Stanley, has also said the prime minister would need a period of rest before he can “pick up the reins” at Downing Street.

Dr Smith noted that because the prime minister had not needed to use a ventilator and was otherwise in good health, he might be able to “bounce back” more quickly from his illness.

However, it would probably be “a few weeks before he’s feeling like his old self” again.

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On Friday, Stanley Johnson said his whole family was “amazingly grateful” for the efforts of NHS staff who have treated his son.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that his son’s illness had also underlined the seriousness of Covid-19.

In Boris Johnson’s absence, foreign secretary Dominic Raab is expected to continue to deputise for the prime minister in the coming days.