The Prime Minister said: ‘I owe them my life’ (Picture: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty Images)

Boris Johnson has thanked NHS staff for saving his life as he underwent treatment in intensive care for coronavirus.

The Prime Minister, 55, issued a short statement hailing the medics as he prepares to spend his seventh night at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London.

He said: ‘I can’t thank them enough. I owe them my life.’

Downing Street earlier said Mr Johnson is now able to take short walks as he continues his recovery from a severe case of Covid-19.


Mr Johnson issued a short statement as he prepares to spend his seventh night in hospital (Picture: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty)

Mr Johnson thanked doctors and nurses at St Thomas’ Hospital (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

The PM is making ‘good progress’ and has been boosted by daily updates from pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds along with thousands of cards from well-wishers.



There has been no update on when he is likely to be discharged.

Aides reportedly expect him to be off for a month recuperating, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab deputising.

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Mr Johnson was first admitted to hospital on Sunday on the advice of his doctor, amid concerns that he was still suffering coronavirus symptoms 10 days after testing positive.

It was initially said to be only as a ‘precautionary’ measure and he was reportedly issuing instructions and working on his ministerial red boxes from his sick bed on Monday.

But his condition rapidly deteriorated throughout that afternoon into the evening and he was rushed to intensive care in case a ventilator was required.

Downing Street earlier said the PM is able to make short walks as he continues his recovery (Picture: Twitter/Boris Johnson via Reuters)

He was moved to a general ward on Thursday and thanked his clinical team for the ‘incredible care’ he has received in a message delivered by his spokesman.

The Number 10 spokesman said: ‘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.

‘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.’

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