Boris Johnson 'just beginning' recovery from coronavirus and is not yet back to work

Dominic Raab continues to deputise for prime minister following his bout of coronavirus

Boris Johnson is not going straight back to work after leaving intensive care last night, Downing Street has said.

The prime minister’s official spokesman told reporters that Mr Johnson was “just beginning” his recovery and would resume his official duties only on the advice of his doctors.

First Secretary of State Dominic Raab continues to deputise for the PM, said the spokesman, who gave no timetable for Mr Johnson's return.

The spokesman said he was not aware of any direct contact between the PM and his team at No 10 since his release from intensive care, and refused to say whether Mr Johnson would be back in the saddle by 16 April, when a review is planned to decide whether to ease lockdown restrictions.

Mr Johnson was admitted to hospital on Sunday with persistent symptoms of Covid-19, including a high temperature and cough, before spending three nights in intensive care following a deterioration in his condition on Monday.

He "waved his thanks" to doctors and nurses as he was moved out of intensive care and back onto a general ward at St Thomas' Hospital in central London on Thursday evening, said No 10.

But the spokesman batted away questions over whether Mr Johnson might have been waving because he was unable to speak, telling reporters: "The PM has been known to thank people by making friendly gestures and I'm sure it was the same in this case."

The spokesman said: “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.

“The prime minister is just beginning his recovery and he will be taking advice from his medical team.”

The decision on when and to what extent Mr Johnson can resume his work would depend on"the advice of his medical team", said the spokesman.

"They have given him brilliant care and the PM wants to thank the NHS for all they are doing,” he added.

Boris Johnson applauds the NHS at Downing Street, shortly before his admission to hospital (PA)

Foreign Secretary Mr Raab continues to chair important meetings in Mr Johnson's absence, such as this morning’s daily Covid-19 “war cabinet” video conference and the virtual gatherings of the government's Cobra emergency committee.

The spokesman declined to predict whether Mr Johnson would be back in time to make the decision on whether to begin easing the lockdown on 16 April.

But he added: “The First Secretary of State and Cabinet have all the authority they need to take key decisions at the right time.”

Mr Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings, who has also tested positive for coronavirus more than a week ago, is still “in contact with No10”, the spokesman said. But he refused to expand on exactly what that meant.

The spokesman refused to say whether Mr Johnson would recuperate at his Chequers on his release from hospital before returning to Downing Street.

Mr Johnson's father Stanley this morning suggested a spell at the PM's country residence in Buckinghamshire would be a good idea to give him a period of “readjustment” and rest before returning to No 10.

Stanley Johnson said the whole family was “amazingly grateful” for the efforts of the NHS and the huge outpouring of support for his son.

“He has to take time," said Mr Johnson Sr. "I cannot believe you can walk away from this and get straight back to Downing Street and pick up the reins without a period of readjustment.”

The news of the prime minister’s move out of intensive care prompted messages from well-wishers across the political spectrum, while his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds - who has herself experienced the symptoms of coronavirus - tweeted a string of applauding emojis as she joined the Clap for Carers campaign at 8pm on Thursday evening.