LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “clinically stable” on Wednesday after spending in an intensive care unit in hospital as he continues to receive treatment for coronavirus.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, a Downing Street spokesman said Johnson was “responding to treatment” and “is in good spirits.”

Johnson was admitted to the unit in St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, on Monday evening after his coronavirus symptoms worsened.

It was announced on March 27 that Johnson had tested positive for the coronavirus, but he wasn’t admitted to hospital until Sunday for “tests” due to persistent symptoms of the virus, including a cough and fever.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputizing for the PM, said on Tuesday he was "confident" the PM would recover from this illness, describing him as a "fighter".

Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Raab said Johnson was receiving standard oxygen treatment and was breathing without any assistance, such as mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support.

The Queen and other senior royals sent messages to Johnson's family and his pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, saying they were thinking of them, and wished the premier a full and speedy recovery.

Johnson was the first world leader to contract the coronavirus and his admission to intensive care has shocked many. On Tuesday, he was sent best wishes from leaders in Europe, and US President Donald Trump, who called him a “very good friend.”

The UK reported its largest daily rise in deaths so far on Tuesday, with 786 fatalities reported, taking the overall death toll to 6,159 people. — Agencies