The introduction of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is infected with the emerging coronavirus, was shocked Tuesday in Britain, as the government continues to tackle the growing epidemic day in day in the country.
Johnson, 55, was diagnosed with the new coronavirus on March 27, but hospital admission is of great concern in Britain, one of the countries most affected by the epidemic in Europe, with about 5,400 deaths and more than 50,000 infected officially.
"The prime minister has received the oxygen and is still being monitored, but he has not been connected to an artificial respirator," Michael Goff, minister of cabinet affairs, told the BBC.
The affairs of government were assumed by Secretary of State Dominic Rap Rep Johnson, the only head of state or government in a superpower infected with the virus, who continued to run the affairs of the country from his wing in Downing Street where he was subjected to quarantine until he was hospitalized Sunday for "checks".
But his condition deteriorated and he was transferred on Monday evening to intensive care in St. Thomas Hospital opposite Parliament in central London.
- "Awareness" - Although the Prime Minister does not suffer from other health problems, his health is of concern to the British.
His pregnant fiancé, Carrie Simmonds, 32, announced that she also had symptoms of Covid-19.
"I am thinking in particular of his pregnant fiancée ... I do not agree with him politically, but I wish him the best because he is terrifying to any family," Michaela McGuigan said in London.
For his part, Mark Gillies said, "It is shocking, it shows that a disease may affect anyone. ... Perhaps it is an example of educating those who do not take the situation seriously."
"This may dissuade people from going to parks or seeing their friends," said Los Ashley, a doctor.
Britain imposed a full shutdown on March 23 after hesitation, but it shows flexibility in leaving people out of their homes, especially for sports. London's parks are still open and sometimes crowded with better weather.
Mobilization of the government - Johnson, who won the legislative elections in December on the basis of a promise to implement Brexit, faced criticism in this unprecedented crisis for delaying imposing isolation measures. He even underestimated the spread of the virus in early March by saying that he “shook hands with everyone”, among them patients with Covid-19 during a visit to a hospital.
Johnson received cables of support from the whole world, from the prayers of US President Donald Trump to the wishes of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said, "I am confident that your energy, optimism and sense of humor will help you overcome disease."
Dominic Rap, who holds the interim government, has vowed to continue fighting the epidemic. On Tuesday morning, he chaired the emergency daily meeting that includes ministers, the most prominent heads of health sectors and the most prominent scientific advisor.
"The government's work is continuing," Michael Goff told the BBC, adding that "we are working together to implement the plan that the Prime Minister has put in place to ensure that we can mobilize all of the country's resources in combating this invisible enemy."
Queen Elizabeth II was informed of Johnson's health status as announced by Buckingham Palace.
In a written message, the Queen, 93, who is currently residing in Windsor Palace near London, praised the "commitment and dedication of" medical personnel "in the most difficult circumstances."