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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Harriet Brewis

Boris Johnson's health 'continues to improve' in intensive care, Downing Street says

Boris Johnson's condition is "improving" as he continues treatment in intensive care, Downing Street has said.

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

Mr Johnson has now spent three nights in ICU battling "persistent" Covid-19 symptoms.

He is said to be continuing with “standard oxygen treatment," so without the need of a ventilator.

“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.”

It is understood the PM has not taken part in any Covid-19 drug trials.

His spokesman added that weekly “claps for carers” have been providing “wonderful, unifying moments” for the country. It is hoped that millions will turn out again at 8pm tonight.

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, is expected lead the Government's show of support for health staff in his absence.

“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 Wednesday, when he said the PM was now “sitting up in bed” and “engaging positively” with medics.

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