United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit at St. Thomas’ hospital in London after his coronavirus symptoms worsened on Monday. The BBC reports that Johnson was conscious when moved.
The Prime Minister tested positive for COVID-19 on March 27. Eight hours before being moved to the ICU, Johnson said he was undergoing routine tests and in good spirits.
Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020
The news comes approximately one month after Johnson bragged about shaking hands with hospitals patients, some he believed to have coronavirus. Johnson said:
“I was at a hospital the other night where I think a few there were actually coronavirus patients and I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands.”
Johnson has received scrutiny in recent weeks because of his response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many have complained about the lack of testing, particularly for workers of the National Healthcare Service (NHS).
Those complaints were justified. Only 2,000 of the 550,000 NHS workers had been tested as of April 1.
The lack of testing has been a widespread problem throughout the United Kingdom. As of April 2, only 166,000 citizens had been tested with more than 33,000 testing positive for COVID-19.
Johnson’s government was also criticized for their plan to develop a “herd immunity” to the coronavirus. Many were quick to point out that herd immunity is typically developed in tandem with a vaccine.
By March 16, Johnson dropped the idea, urging Britons to follow more conventional social distancing guidelines.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will fulfill the role of Prime Minister if Johnson is no longer capable of doing so.
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