LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 25: Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for PMQ’s on March 25, 2020 in London, England. British parliament will be suspended tonight due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. It had previously been scheduled to break for Easter on March 31; it will tentatively sit again on April 21. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 18,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images) United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) on April 6 after being hospitalized the previous day for COVID-19.
BBC News reported Johnson’s move to the ICU was a precautionary measure, and he is not on a ventilator, although he is on oxygen. Johnson’s condition has worsened since he was hospitalized. He was diagnosed with the coronavirus 10 days ago.
“The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication,” a government spokesperson said in a statement to the BBC.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is handling Johnson’s duties in the interim.
Israeli leaders expressed sympathy for Johnson.
“[Israeli] Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the People of Israel pray for the speedy and full recovery of our friend British Prime Minister @BorisJohnson,” Netanyahu tweeted.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the People of Israel pray for the speedy and full recovery of our friend British Prime Minister @BorisJohnson. 🇮🇱🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/gNoPE4ulr1
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 6, 2020
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz similarly said in a statement, “My heart goes out to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and to the British people during these difficult moments. I send my wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the prime minister.”
President Donald Trump said during the April 6 press briefing, “All Americans are praying for him. He’s a friend of mine. He’s a great gentleman and a great leader, and he’s as you know, he was brought to the hospital today. I’m hopeful and sure that he’s going to be fine.”
As of this writing, the UK has 47,806 cases of and 4,934 deaths from COVID-19.
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