Down with COVID-19, UK PM shifted to ICU

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at the St Thomas Hospital in London, has been shifted to the intensive care unit after his condition worsened, his office said in a statement. Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take charge in his absence. “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,” a spokesperson for No 10 Downing Street said on April 6. Johnson was admitted to the hospital on April 5 on the advice of his doctors. He, however, said that he was in “good spirits” and in contact with his ministers to oversee the coronavirus fight. “Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into the hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe,” Johnson said in a Twitter post. “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 in Britain. Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives,” he said. According to the health ministry, a total of 5,373 people were killed in the COVID-19 pandemic as on April 6. Also, out of 208,837 people tested for COVID-19, 51,608 were positive, it added.