Johnson 'waved thanks' to NHS staff as he was moved from ICU

The Prime Minister has been able to do “short walks” between periods of rest as part of his care to aid his recovery, Downing Street has said.

Boris Johnson is back on a ward at St Thomas’ Hospital in London after being discharged from the intensive care unit where he was being treated for Covid-19.

“The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery,” a No 10 spokesman said on Friday.

“He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.

“His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.”

Earlier, he was said to be in “very good spirits”.

The Prime Minister spent three nights in ICU after being diagnosed with coronavirus.

His official spokesman said he was “enormously grateful” for the care he had received from NHS staff at St Thomas’ Hospital.

“I am told he was waving his thanks towards the nurses and doctors that he saw as he was being moved from the intensive care unit back to the ward,” the spokesman said.

“Hopefully it was clear to the staff that he was waving his gratitude.”

The spokesman said he was not aware of any contact between Johnson and No 10 and that it was too early to say how long he would need to remain in hospital.

“The Prime Minister is back on a ward and continuing his recovery which is at an early stage.

“He continues to be in very good spirits.

“Decisions such as this will be on the advice of his medical team. They have given him brilliant care.”