Johnson tested positive for the corona virus ten days ago and was taken to a hospital for sampling last Sunday. His condition worsened during Monday afternoon, Reuters writes.

"During this afternoon, the Prime Minister's condition has worsened, and on the advice of his medical team he has been moved to the hospital's intensive care unit," said a statement from his staff,

"The Prime Minister receives excellent care and thanks all the staff at the NHS (the state healthcare) for their hard work and dedication".

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab will now take over Johnson's duties, a spokesman said.

Raab led Monday's government meeting, but testified earlier in the day that Johnson was still ruling the country.

When Johnson tested positive, he continued to work from home, quarantined in the service home at 10 Downing Street. He had a high fever and cough when he was taken to St. Thomas Hospital last Sunday, but wrote on Twitter on Monday that he was in good spirits and continued to work with his team.

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