UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is rushed to intensive care as his 'persistent' coronavirus symptoms worsen and his Foreign Secretary is forced to take over running of the country

Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care after his coronavirus condition worsened, Downing Street announced tonight. The Prime Minister was transferred to the ICU at St Thomas' Hospital in London at 7pm this evening. He is conscious and has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise for him. Mr Raab, also First Secretary of State, is primed to take charge of the government's coronavirus response, but it is understood he is not a temporary prime minister. Mr Johnson, 55, was transferred to intensive care as a precaution in case he requires a ventilator. The PM tested positive for coronavirus 11 days ago and started self-isolating in his Number 11 flat, where he remained at the helm of the UK's war on the virus. He was last seen looking exhausted on Friday, when he posted a video message on Twitter revealing he was still suffering from a high temperature.


Mr Raab's role as first secretary of state - the second most senior cabinet minister after the PM - means he is primed to take charge of the government's coronavirus response, which is at a critical period as cases approach the peak.   

Following the PM's hospitalisation last night on the advice of his doctor, Mr Raab chaired this morning's daily taskforce of top officials steering Whitehall through the health crisis.

At a Downing Street press briefing this afternoon, the foreign secretary confirmed a further 439 deaths, taking the toll to 5,373, while the number of patients rose by 3,802 to 51,608.

The PM revealed he had tested positive on March 27 and started self-isolating in his Number 11 flat, where he resolved to continue leading his team of ministers and officials. 


He was last seen on Friday, when he posted a video message on Twitter revealing he was still suffering from a high temperature.