Prime Minister Boris Johnson's admission to intensive care has caused great concern in the UK and beyond, and shows how hard the coronavirus can reach healthy people, be they anonymous or powerful.
Read also: Coronavirus: Boris Johnson transferred to intensive care
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.
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.
Read also: Coronavirus: Boris Johnson governs from the hospital
Queen Elizabeth II is kept informed of the health of her prime minister, according to Buckingham Palace. And Dominic Raab, Minister of Foreign Affairs, replaces " where necessary, " said Johnson's spokesman.
"Ignored the advice"
Known for never sparing his sentence, 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.
Read also: Boris Johnson hospitalized for “persistent symptoms” of coronavirus
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 headlines in British newspapers on Tuesday were almost all crossed out with the same words: " intensive care ." The Daily Mirror and the Daily Star went further, speaking of " fighting to save his life ."
According to a government source, the Prime Minister remains " aware " and his transfer, which took place around 7:00 p.m., was decided " as a precaution in case he needs a respirator ".
"All Americans pray for his recovery"
Professor Hill said he had information that he received "a type of respiratory assistance called continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP), commonly used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Experience in Italy and other European countries shows that CPAP can be effective for patients with Covid-19, at least initially . ”
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. Nearly 5,400 of them died. The news " illustrates how this virus makes no difference between people. Anyone, anywhere, including the most privileged in our society, can be affected and become seriously ill, ”said University of Edinburgh professor of medicine Linda Bauld.
Read also: Coronavirus: tested positive a week ago, Boris Johnson extends his quarantine
Boris Johnson 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. " My thoughts are with Boris Johnson and all the British people, " said Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
