COVID-19 Positive U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Shifted to Intensive Care

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Boris Johnson

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove announced that U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been hospitalized with “persistent symptoms” of COVID-19 on Sunday. In a statement to BBC Radio 4, Gove said. That the prime minister was not on a ventilator though he was receiving oxygen support. He further said that he did not know whether Mr. Johnson had been diagnosed with pneumonia, which is a common affliction with patients hit most severely by the coronavirus.

The First World Leader to Test Positive for COVID-19

On March 27, Johnson tested positive for the coronavirus, in the process becoming the first world leader.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.” 

Gove said, “We’re desperately hoping that Boris can make the speediest possible recovery.” Interestingly, Michael Gove, himself became the latest politician to decide self-isolate.In addition to Johnson and Gove, several other top government officials have also been infected, notably, Health Secretary. Matt Hancock, advisor Dominic Cummings, and Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty. Carrie Symonds, his pregnant fiancée, is at this time also recovering from symptoms of the coronavirus.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to Act as Deputy PM When Required 

According to a government spokesperson, “Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team. Even though Johnson has not relinquished the leadership of the government. He has nominated Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to act as his deputy “where necessary,” according to a spokesperson. Accordingly, Raab headed the cabinet meeting held on Monday.

Situation in the U.K. Expected to Worsen

As of 6 April, 51,608 people have tested positive for the coronavirus while 5,373 people had died. Johnson’s government has attracted a lot of criticism for testing fewer people than other countries. Had at a similar stage of the epidemic. With the peak of the epidemic expected by the next week, the hospitalization of Johnson comes at a rather critical time for the country.