UK's Johnson out of intensive care as his condition improves

Boris Johnson tested positive for the new coronavirus two weeks ago and at first had only "mild" symptoms. He was hospitalized on Sunday and taken to the ICU a day later. Johnson had been receiving oxygen without being placed on a ventilator.

London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved out of intensive care Thursday at the London hospital where he is being treated for the new coronavirus, as his government told Britons to prepare for several more weeks in lockdown.

Johnson had been in the ICU at St. Thomas' Hospital since Monday after his symptoms of COVID-19 worsened.

Johnson's office said that he was "moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery."

It said Johnson was in "extremely good spirits". The British leader tested positive for the new coronavirus two weeks ago and at first had only "mild" symptoms. He was hospitalized Sunday and taken to the ICU a day later. Johnson had been receiving oxygen without being placed on a ventilator.

His condition appeared to be improving over the past day or so. Earlier Thursday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been standing in for the prime minister during key meetings, said Johnson was "making positive steps forward".

AP