PM continues to improve after ‘good night’ in intensive care – Downing Street

Boris Johnson’s condition “continues to improve” in intensive care where he has spent three nights while being treated for the coronavirus, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister had a “good night” in St Thomas’ Hospital in London and thanks the NHS for the “brilliant care” he has received, his official spokesman said on Thursday.

The weekly “claps for carers” have been providing “wonderful, unifying moments” for the country while it is hoped millions will turn out again at 8pm, his spokesman added.

He was said to be continuing with “standard oxygen treatment”, while it was indicated he has not taken part in any drug trials for Covid-19.

“The Prime Minister had a good night and continues to improve in intensive care,” his spokesman said as he gave an update from the hospital.

“He’s in good spirits.”

Mr Johnson was last seen in public clapping for NHS workers in Downing Street last Thursday before his admission to hospital three days later.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been deputising for the PM, was expected to instead take part in the show of support for health staff.

“The Prime Minister thanks the NHS for the brilliant care which it is providing,” Mr Johnson’s spokesman said.

“The claps for carers have provided wonderful, unifying moments for the entire country. I’m sure that tonight we will once again see people in their millions paying tribute to our fantastic dedicated care workers.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the first big breakthrough in Mr Johnson’s health on Thursday, when he said the PM was now “sitting up in bed” and “engaging positively” with medics.

Concerns have been raised over Dominic Cummings, the PM’s chief adviser who has been self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms.

Ten days after Downing Street confirmed his symptoms, the PM’s official spokesman was unable to say Mr Cummings is working, instead saying he is “in contact with Number 10”.