Boris Johnson’s Condition Improving As He Sits Up In Bed

Boris Johnson is ‘improving’ in hospital after two days in intensive care battling coronavirus, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed this afternoon. 

In news that will come as a relief to the nation he said that the Prime Minister had also been sitting up in bed after two nights in St Thomas’s Hospital in London.

Fronting the daily news conference, Mr. Sunak began by giving an update on Mr. Johnson’s condition, amid questions over his treatment in the lead up to his hospitalisation.

‘The latest news from the hospital is that the prime minister remains in intensive care, where his condition is improving,’ Mr. Sunak said,.

‘I can also tell you that he has been sitting up in bed and engaging positively with the clinical team.’ 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: ‘So good that the PM is sitting up and his condition is improving. He will fight through!’

No10 tonight confirmed that Mr Johnson ‘continues to make steady progress’ but remains in intensive care.

Downing Street had earlier confirmed that the PM has not been doing any work, although they said he has been in contact with aides.

There are fears that even the best outcome from his coronavirus struggle will see him out of action for weeks, with experts warning he could need a ‘phased return’ to work.

There are also questions about the PM’s care while he was in isolation, amid suggestions he was not physically monitored and only consulted a doctor by video link.

There are claims that social distancing rules were being flouted in Downing Street as the crisis developed, with meetings in cramped rooms and people coughing freely. Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson was among the first frequent visitor to become infected.

Tory MPs are calling for a review of the premier’s medical arrangements, saying the lack of protection has been ‘exposed’ by the latest crisis.

The UK leader has starkly different health support than in the US, where the president has a dedicated medical team and emergency facilities constantly on standby.

Mr Sunak said the care received by Mr Johnson had been ‘excellent’.