UK Prime Minister Johnson moved to intensive care bed due to worsening COVID-19 symptoms

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and hospitalized, is receiving intensive care, the UK Prime Minister's Office announced on the 6th (local time). Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has taken over as acting Prime Minister.

According to BBC and other outlets, the UK Prime Minister's Office stated that "Prime Minister Johnson's condition worsened in the afternoon, and following the medical team's advice, he was moved to an intensive care unit." The office added, "The Prime Minister has asked Secretary Raab to carry out necessary duties," and "The Prime Minister is receiving excellent care and is grateful for the efforts and dedication of all National Health Service (NHS) staff."

Johnson, who was the first major world leader to test positive for COVID-19 on the 27th of last month, was hospitalized at St Thomas' Hospital in London the previous day following his general practitioner's advice after symptoms persisted for ten days. It is reported that Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit around 7 p.m. that day. BBC reported, "We do not know the specific details of Prime Minister Johnson's condition, but he is conscious and is not currently receiving oxygen support."

It was initially reported that Johnson's condition was not severe until the morning of that day. When he was admitted to the hospital, Johnson posted on Twitter, "I feel okay and am continuing to stay in touch with my team to fight the virus and keep everyone safe." The Prime Minister's Office also said during a regular briefing with reporters that "The Prime Minister had a stable night at St Thomas' Hospital in London last night. He is showing a clear state of mind." They explained that the Prime Minister is receiving various official documents and continuing to perform his duties, still responsible for governing the country.

However, Johnson's condition worsened within a few hours, and it is expected that normal government operations will be difficult for the time being. Secretary Raab, who assumed the Prime Minister's role from that day, emphasized, "There is an incredibly strong team spirit behind the Prime Minister," and "We will complete and implement the plans the Prime Minister has instructed as soon as possible." He stated that the government will continue to push forward with plans to win the fight against COVID-19, focusing on "ensuring the Prime Minister's instructions and plans to overcome COVID-19 and lead the country to victory over this challenge."

Following the news of Johnson's transfer to intensive care, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said that Johnson "will come out of this (illness) stronger." New Labour Party leader Keir Starmer called it "very sad news" and said, "Everyone in the country stands with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time."

Meanwhile, according to the UK Department of Health, as of 9 a.m. that day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK reached 51,608, an increase of 3,802 in one day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.