Boris Johnson Taken Into ICU With Coronavirus, World Leaders Wish British PM Quick Recovery

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was in hospital due to persistent coronavirus symptoms, has been taken into intensive care after his condition worsened, Downing Street said on Monday. UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has taken charge as Johnson, 55, was moved to the ICU at St Thomas' Hospital in London. A spokesperson for No 10 Downing Street 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 spokesperson said. The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS (National Health Service) staff for their hard work and dedication. Johnson had earlier messaged from his hospital bed on Monday to say that he was in good spirits and staying in contact with his ministers to oversee the UK's coronavirus fightback despite his hospitalisation due to persistent Covid-19 symptoms.

Johnson's admission to intensive care with coronavirus prompted an outpouring of well-wishes from world leaders on Monday. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen wished Johnson "a speedy and full recovery". "My thoughts are with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his family this evening," she tweeted. Her reaction was echoed by the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, who is recovering in quarantine after also testing positive. "Wishing Boris Johnson all the best and a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with you and your family," Barnier tweeted.

The best wishes from two of the European Union's top officials underlined the setting aside of political tussling after Johnson took Britain out of the bloc in January. French President Emmanuel Macron gave his "full support to Boris Johnson, his family and the British people at this difficult time". "I hope he will rapidly overcome this ordeal," tweeted. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had earlier told BFMTV: "I know his strength, I am convinced he will draw from his resources, which are great, the capacity to overcome this ordeal. It's also symbolic of the seriousness of this crisis, which affects everyone."

Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted in English that "the Italian people is with the UK in these difficult times. We are one for each other. Get well soon Boris Johnson!" World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was "thinking of my friend Boris Johnson tonight, and sending my and WHO's heartfelt good wishes as he battles the coronavirus." "I know the NHS and its dedicated health workers will be looking after you," he tweeted.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that "on behalf of the Dutch cabinet, I wish Boris Johnson, his family and the British people lots of strength during this difficult time." "I hope to be able to speak to him soon in good health," Rutte tweeted. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said his thoughts are with his friend. "Lots of strength, Boris, and get well soon!" he tweeted.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic wished his "dear friend" a fast recovery. "Hang in there and keep fighting! We, your friends, are with you!" he wrote on Instagram. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama tweeted: "I wish you will soon win this fight and be back to lead with all your passion and strength for your marvellous country.