The Prime Minister has been moved to intensive care (Picture: PA; Sky News)

Boris Johnson has been taken into intensive care for coronavirus after his condition worsened.

Downing Street said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would deputise for him where necessary while he is unwell.

The Prime Minister, 55, was admitted to hospital last night as a ‘precaution’ and for tests after suffering from the virus for ten days.

A Number 10 spokesman said: ‘Since Sunday evening, the Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.


Police officers stand in front of barriers erected outside St Thomas’ Hospital today (Picture: Getty)

‘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 Conservative Party leader is understood to be conscious and has been moved to the ICU at about 7pm as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery. He had earlier experienced breathing difficulties and was given oxygen.

Earlier today, Boris Johnson had tweeted to say: ‘Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Iâ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.



Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. — Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020

‘I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.’

He added: ‘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. Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.’

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘My thoughts are with the PM and his family – sending him every good wish.’

Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘My thoughts tonight are with @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds. I know he’ll be getting the best care possible and will come

out of this even stronger.’

Business minister Nadim Zahawi tweeted: ‘Thoughts & prayers for @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds and their family. I have known Boris for 20 years he is a fighter and will beat this virus.’

My thoughts tonight are with @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds.



I know heâll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger. — rishisunak (@RishiSunak) April 6, 2020

I wish the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery and thank the NHS team looking after him and everyone at St Thomas’.



Coronavirus can affect anyone, the symptoms can be really awful. Please, please, remind your friends and family to stay at home! — DrRosena (@DrRosena) April 6, 2020

Boris is one of the strongest people I know. Thinking of him, Carrie and his family tonight. Get well soon, the country needs you. — Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) April 6, 2020

Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted: ‘Terribly sad news. All the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.’

Members of the newly-formed shadow cabinet offered their support for the PM.

Shadow justice secretary David Lammy tweeted: ‘Awful news. My very best wishes to the Prime Minister, as well as his partner Carrie, family and friends. Get well soon @BorisJohnson.”

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner posted: ‘Sending my best wishes at this worrying time to the PM @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds and hoping that his condition stabilises in his battle with #Coronavirus.’

And shadow deputy mental health minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan tweeted: ‘I wish the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery and thank the NHS team looking after him and everyone at St Thomas’.

My thoughts are with Boris Johnson and his family tonight.



Thanks to the #NHS staff for their hard work and dedication. — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 6, 2020

‘Coronavirus can affect anyone, the symptoms can be really awful. Please, please, remind your friends and family to stay at home!’



Jeremy Corbyn said: ‘My thoughts are with Boris Johnson and his family tonight. Thanks to the NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.’

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: ‘Praying for the Prime Minister’s swift

recovery tonight. @GSTTnhs has some of the finest medical staff in the world,

and he couldn’t be in safer hands.’

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