Boris Johnson waved thanks to NHS staff as he was moved out of intensive care

Boris Johnson waved his thanks to NHS staff as he was being moved out of intensive care, it has emerged - while his father said the prime minister "almost took one for the team".

Mr Johnson was moved back to the ward on Thursday evening - having first been admitted to St Thomas' Hospital on Sunday with persistent symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

He spent three days in intensive care.

A Number 10 spokesman said the PM was "enormously grateful for the care he's receiving", adding: "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 it was too early to say how long the PM would need to stay in hospital, adding he was not aware of any contact between Mr Johnson and Number 10.

"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," he said.

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

(SKY NEWS)