Coronavirus: Boris Johnson ‘in good spirits’ and is stable in hospital

The 55-year-old was admitted to St Thomas Hospital in London after showing “persistent symptoms” of the virus on Sunday. He was transferred to intensive care on Monday when his symptoms became worse. Johnson is now being given oxygen and does not require a ventilator, according to BBC News.

In a statement released on Tuesday, a spokesman said, “The prime minister has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits. He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and is breathing without any other assistance.”

“He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support.”

This news comes after Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove entered into self-isolation after a person in his family began showing symptoms. Grove is symptom free and has continued to work from home.

Gove noted that if there are any updates on his condition “No 10 will ensure the country is updated.”

British Thoracic Society president, Dr Jon Bennett said it was “heartening” that Johnson was receiving “standard oxygen treatment” because mechanical support like high flow nasal oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure or ventilators would be necessary if the case was more serious.

The spokesperson added that the government is “determined” and a clear pandemic response plan has been laid out by Johnson.

Johnson’s weekly audience with the Queen won’t be continuing though she will continue to receive information on the Prime Minister’s condition.

First secretary of state, Dominic Raab will be the minister to stand in for the Prime Minister if he cannot work.

Previously, Raab noted that Johnson has an “incredibly strong team spirit” behind him and that colleagues would be sure to implement his plans “as soon as possible.”

Previous deputy prime minister, Lord Heseltine noted that the position will be “very difficult” for Raab, who he said “will be tested by the loneliness of the job."

"He will be surrounded by lots of people who know what Boris Johnson said, believe Boris will be quickly back and have their own personal agendas anyway.”

Tory peer Baroness Morgan, a former cabinet member said that Raab is very capable but there is “no way that he would have wanted to be in this situation.”

“I think the reason that people have been so stunned and taken aback and feel so involved with the prime minister's health, is because Boris Johnson is prime minister, he gets a lot of coverage.”

“Obviously, he was very front and centre in an election campaign, which seems like a million years ago but was only a couple of months ago, and people invest an awful lot of hope in their leaders at this time of national crisis.”

Vladimir Putin wished all the best for Johnson saying, “convinced that your energy, optimism and sense of humour will help you overcome the disease.”

President Donald Trump called Johnson “a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation” and added that Americans “are all praying for his recovery.”

The UK has now seen 5,373 deaths as a result of coronavirus and the Department of Health and Social Care noted that the country has over 51,000 confirmed cases.