Prime Minister Boris Johnson was described on Friday as being in “very good spirits” after being moved out of the intensive care unit of the St Thomas’ Hospital, as the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic in the UK neared 9,000.
The UK-wide figure released on Friday evening was 8,958. However, the figure relates to those who passed away in hospitals and does not include those in retirement villages, care homes and hospices. There are concerns that the overall figure may be much higher.
A Downing Street spokesman said on Friday evening: “The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery.
“He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received. His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.”
Stanley Johnson, the prime minister’s father, expressed relief that his son is out of the ICU and wanted him to rest. His illness had “got the whole country to realise this is a serious event”, he told BBC.
The government immediate concern is the prospect of people moving out of homes during the Easter holiday weekend, particularly as the weather is increasing warm and sunny.
{{/usCountry}}The government immediate concern is the prospect of people moving out of homes during the Easter holiday weekend, particularly as the weather is increasing warm and sunny.
{{/usCountry}}Health secretary Matt Hancock harped on the core message to people to stay at home at the daily briefing, cautioning that Easter will be a “test of the nation’s resolve. However warm the weather, however tempting the beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home”.
“NHS staff are battling day and night to keep desperately sick people breathing and they need you to stay at home.”
The police warned those breaking social distancing rules during the warm weekend that they can expect prosecution.