Prime Minister Boris Johnson's admission to intensive care is a source of great concern in the UK and beyond. Once again, proof that the Covid-19 can harshly reach healthy subjects, whether anonymous or powerful.
On Monday, "during the afternoon, the Prime Minister's state of health deteriorated and, on the advice of his medical team, he was transferred to the intensive care unit of the hospital," according to his spokesperson.
Diagnosed positive at Covid-19 on March 27, the Conservative head of government refused to stop working from his apartments on Downing Street.
"Boris Johnson is gravely ill"
After 10 days, Sunday, he had been hospitalized "for exams". A "precautionary measure", officially. The next day, he was no better, on the contrary.
"There is no doubt that the turn of events means that Boris Johnson is seriously ill," said Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at University College London, quoted by Science Media Center as of Monday evening.
Queen Elisabeth II is kept informed of the state of health of her Prime Minister, according to the Palace of Buckingham. And Dominic Raab, Minister of Foreign Affairs, replaces him "where necessary," said spokesman Boris Johnson.
The first task for Dominic Raab is to chair this Tuesday the daily emergency meeting of ministers, the main medical officer and the scientific adviser.
Newsletter - The essentials of the news
Every morning, the news seen by Le ParisienI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more
The eccentric politician had tried to hide his procrastination in the face of the health crisis by claiming to have no fear of going to the front line. "I shook hands with everyone," including the sick, he said on March 3 when he recounted his visit to a hospital.
Although it was not there that he contracted the disease, given the incubation period, "Boris Johnson ignored health advice at his own risk," commented The Independent when the diagnosis fell in late March.
His obstinacy in remaining in command had in no way surprised the British: neither his supporters who praised his engagement, nor his adversaries who criticized his devouring ambition. However, Monday's announcement "was unexpected," according to the Telegraph.
The British press in turmoil
The front pages of British newspapers on Tuesday were almost all crossed out with the same words: "* intensive care."
According to a government source, the Prime Minister remains "aware" and his transfer, which took place around 7:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. GMT), was decided "as a precaution in case he needs a respirator".
Along with Crown Prince Charles, who has recovered, Boris Johnson is one of more than 50,000 people tested positive in the UK since the start of the epidemic. Almost 5,400 of them died.
"My thoughts are with Boris Johnson"
The Prime Minister has seen expressions of support from leaders around the world. "All Americans are praying for his recovery," said US President Donald Trump.
"I wish him to overcome this ordeal quickly," wrote French President Emmanuel Macron.
All my support for Boris Johnson, his family and the British people at this difficult time. I wish him to overcome this ordeal quickly.
- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 6, 2020"My thoughts are with Boris Johnson and all the British people," said Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.