British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken to intensive care on Monday night after his coronavirus disease (Covid-19) symptoms worsened, Downing Street said.

Johnson has asked British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputize for him, a Downing Street spokesman said.

The prime minister, 55, was admitted to St. Thomas’ Hospital in London with “persistent symptoms” on Sunday night, 10 days after testing positive for coronavirus.

The spokesman said the prime minister was moved on the advice of his medical team and is receiving “excellent care.”

“Since Sunday evening, the prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St. Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus,” said a statement.

“Over the course of this 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 added. “The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks to all NHS (National Health Service) staff for their hard work and dedication.”

Two uniformed police officers were stationed at the entrance to St. Thomas’ Hospital on Monday evening.

Throughout the day, officers and police vehicles could be seen entering and exiting the central London hospital.

The death toll of those hospitalized in Britain who tested positive for the coronavirus, known as Covid-19, reached 5,373 as of Sunday afternoon, a daily increase of 439, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

As of Monday morning, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Britain hit 51,608, up 3,802 in the past 24 hours, said the department. (Xinhua)