LONDON: Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson began a third day in intensive care on Wednesday battling the coronavirus that has struck at the heart of the British government.
“I understand the prime minister is in a stable condition, he’s comfortable and in good spirits,” Edward Argar, a junior health minister, told local media. “He has in the past had some oxygen but he’s not on ventilation.”
Johnson’s persistently high temperature had fallen while the was being cared for by one of Britain’s leading lung doctors. The country is in lockdown for over three weeks to try to stem the spread of COVID-19 that has infected more than 55,000 people across the country and killed nearly 6,200.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Johnson, called him “a fighter” and said that “he’ll be back, leading us through this crisis in short order”. Johnson is the most high-profile government leader to become infected with COVID-19 receiving messages of support from across the world.
He was admitted to intensive care on Monday evening after spending Sunday night in hospital following concerns he still had a cough and high temperature 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. His transfer to intensive care is unprecedented for a prime minister during a national emergency.
Raab chaired the daily coronavirus meeting in the prime minister’s place on Tuesday. He insisted it was still too soon to say whether the stringent social distancing measures introduced for an initial three-week period would be eased at all.
Downing Street later confirmed a review would take place next week as planned, after earlier dismissing suggestions of a power vacuum at the top of the British government. “There is a clear plan… the government and the cabinet are working together to implement that plan,” Johnson’s spokesman said.
The United Kingdom does not have a formal constitutional role of deputy prime minister and Raab would need the support of the rest of the cabinet to make any big decisions. Johnson announced on March 27 that he had coronavirus and went into self-isolation in a flat above his office. He was moved to intensive care on Monday evening in London’s St Thomas’ hospital after his condition worsened.
The prime minister has received messages of support from around the world, with US President Donald Trump sending best wishes to his “very good friend” while Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Johnson’s “energy, optimism and sense of humour” would see him through.
The British government was criticised for initially refusing to follow other European countries in requiring people to stay home as the virus spread rapidly across the globe. Johnson himself said in early March that he was still shaking hands with people and ordered a nationwide lockdown two weeks ago.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, have both been infected, although they have since recovered.Johnson is not known to have any underlying health issues, although he has struggled with his weight.
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