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Coronavirus crisis: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves London hospital where he was treated in intensive care for COVID-19

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds.
Camera IconBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from a London hospital where he was treated in intensive care for the new coronavirus.

Johnson’s office said he left St. Thomas’ Hospital on Sunday and will continue his recovery at Chequers, the prime minister’s country house.

Johnson has been in the hospital for a week and spent three nights in the ICU.

Earlier, he said he owes his life to staff at the National Health Service who treated him for COVID-19.

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Johnson made his first public statement since he was moved out of intensive care at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, saying he “can’t thank them enough. I owe them my life.”

Mr Johnson’s heavily-pregnant girlfriend Carrie Symonds took to twitter to thank medical staff.

“I cannot thank our magnificent NHS enough. The staff at St Thomas’ Hospital have been incredible. I will never, ever be able to repay you and I will never stop thanking you,” she tweeted.

“There were times last week that were very dark indeed. My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones.

“Thank you also to everyone who sent such kind messages of support. Today I’m feeling incredibly lucky.”

The 55-year-old Johnson was diagnosed with COVID-19 more than two weeks ago, becoming the first world leader confirmed to have the illness.

His coronavirus symptoms at first were said to have been mild, including a cough and a fever.

He was admitted to St. Thomas’ Hospital last Sunday after his condition worsened and was transferred to the intensive care unit the following day, where he received oxygen but was not put onto a ventilator.

He will not immediately return to work.

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