The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been taken to intensive care in St Thomas Hospital after his coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms worsened, Downing Street has said.

However, he has not yet been put on a ventilator. Johnson is understood to have received oxygen through a non-invasive mask only before being taken to intensive care.

The decision has been taken on the advice of his medical team, a spokesman said and added that he was receiving excellent care.

The 55-year-old Johnson, who tested positive for the virus 10 days ago, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday evening with “persistent symptoms” and was said to be doing well.

A No 10 statement read: “The prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.

“Over the course of [Monday] afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.”

It continued: “The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks to all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”

UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will deputise “where necessary” in the Prime Minister’s absence. The Queen has been kept informed about Mr Johnson’s health by No 10, according to Buckingham Palace.

His pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds is also in isolation and is said to be recovering from coronavirus symptoms.