Aamer Shahid Kayani –
UK, (TLTP): The UK has been plunged into political turmoil after Boris Johnson’s condition deteriorated and he was moved to intensive care.
The news comes after he was admitted to Saint Thomas hospital on Sunday evening for tests. A statement from Downing Street on 27 March 2020 has disclosed that after experiencing mild symptoms a day before, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.
The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive. In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister went to self-isolating in Downing Street amid continuing to lead the government’s response to coronavirus.
Local media reported that hours after No 10 insisted the prime minister remained in charge – despite being taken to hospital on Sunday night because of his coronavirus symptoms – doctors advised he be moved to an intensive unit.
Dominic Raab will “deputise where necessary”, a Downing Street spokesman said, although he will not formally take over the top job. It was understood that Mr Johnson is conscious and has not been placed on a ventilator, but has been moved to intensive care in case he has to be.
A No 10 spokesman said: “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 dramatic news came just a few hours after Mr Raab told a press briefing that Mr Johnson remained in charge of the government, despite being in hospital.
However, eyebrows were raised when the foreign secretary acknowledged he had not spoken with the prime minister since Saturday – despite being his de-facto deputy.
