Coronavirus: Boris Johnson in battle of his life

Britain is a nation in shock with Prime Minister Boris Johnson seriously ill in an intensive care unit, requiring oxygen.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for a seriously ill Prime Minister, arrives at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

Britain is a nation in shock, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson ­seriously ill in an intensive care unit, requiring oxygen.

Mr Johnson’s extremely serious health battle against corona­virus is expected to last for weeks, leaving questions about the government’s handling of an exit strategy from the lockdown measures across Britain.

The political instability and doubt over the government’s ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic have rocked the pound and raised fears about economic recovery if there is any paralysis over decision making.

Doctors say the outcome for Mr Johnson, 55, will depend on his immune system.

The most recent figures from the UK’s Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre shows that of 2249 patients in ICU, there have been 346 deaths and 344 ­people recovered since February.

Seventy per cent were male, 70 per cent were overweight, and 30 per cent were aged under 60. Most victims had underlying heart, diabetes, or blood pressure problems.

As of Tuesday morning Mr Johnson had not required sedation and intubation, but had been given oxygen.

The dramatic escalation of Mr Johnson’s battle was underscored by his rapid decline.

On Sunday he was in charge of the daily video conference call among cabinet members, but by Sunday evening, just as the Queen was sending a reassuring television message to the nation, he was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster.

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

There he was still working through the red boxes of government papers until Monday afternoon, with colleagues describing him as having “his hand on the ­tiller’’. Around lunch time he even tweeted: “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.’’

By 7pm, however, he was needing oxygen and was moved into the intensive care unit.

Downing Street said Mr Johnson has been conscious.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is deputising for the Prime Minister, but other cabinet heavyhitters, such as Michael Gove and Health Secretary Matt Hancock will have a large say as well.

A policeman on duty outside St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Picture: AFP

Mr Johnson warned the nation two weeks ago that while 80 per cent of the population would show mild or no symptoms, 20 per cent might become very ill.

Mr Johnson’s pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, also had coronavirus but, like Prince Charles, ­appears to have recovered.

As Mr Johnson was being treated on Monday, the UK’s corona­virus rate of increase appeared to be slowing, with 439 deaths bringing the total to 5385, and 52,279 people infected. Other European countries such as Italy, Austria and Denmark were announcing how they would ease isolation measures, but the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty warned that Britain had not yet reached the peak of the virus.

I’d like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain.

Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020

“We do not think we know for certain that the peak will be at the end of this week, and until we’re confident we are there, it’s too early,” he said.

World leaders have sent get well messages to Mr Johnson. Scott Morrison tweeted: “Get well soon Boris Johnson. Thinking of you, your family and all our UK friends at this tough time.”

US President Donald Trump said he had asked two medical companies to contact the Prime Minister’s doctors.

“We’ll see if we can be of help. We’ve contacted all of Boris’s doctors and we’ll see what is going to take place, but they (the companies) are ready to go,’’ he said. “And Americans are all praying for his recovery. He’s been a really good friend, he’s been really something very special. Strong, resolute, doesn’t quit, doesn’t give up.”

Labour’s newly elected leader Keir Starmer said “all the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time”.

While Mr Johnson is a biographer of his hero Winston Churchill, who suffered heart attacks and strokes at various times in office, he may take inspiration from another British prime minister, David Lloyd George.

Lloyd George contracted Spanish influenza in 1918, and was in ­intensive care, but survived.