The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme that ‘the prime minister has received some oxygen support’ but does not yet require the additional breathing assistance.
Mr Gove added that First Secretary of State Dominic Raab has taken over running the country while the PM is being treated. Mr Johnson, 55, spent the night on the ICU at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, for a deteriorating case of Covid-19.
A spokesperson said it was a ‘precautionary’ measure and was sent at about 7pm, after showing persistent symptoms 10 days after testing positive.
Speaking this morning, Mr Gove said: ‘The prime minister is not on a ventilator, he has received oxygen support and of course one of the reasons for being in intensive care is to make sure that whatever support the medical team consider to be appropriate can be provided.
I think, you know, all of us recognise the team at St Thomas’ are among some of the finest doctors, finest clinicians, in the country. The doctors, the nurses and the other staff there will be making appropriate medical decisions and they have our full support in the amazingly important work that they do.’ When asked whether he knows if the PM has been diagnosed with pneumonia, Mr Gove said: ‘I’m not aware of that. ‘But I think it’s also important to recognise that all of us are thinking about the prime minister’s condition. No 10 – if there are any changes in his condition – will ensure that the country is updated.
