"I wish the Prime Minister [of the United Kingdom], Boris Johnson, a speedy and total recovery," wrote António Costa in a message posted on his personal Twitter social account.

António Costa also makes a reference to the relations between the two countries in the current world situation: "We are close to the British people in these difficult times".

Boris Johnson went to an intensive care unit at the hospital on Monday, 6 April, where he was admitted on Sunday night for persistent symptoms of covid-19.

A spokesman said on Monday that the prime minister's health had worsened and that, on the advice of his medical team, he was transferred to the intensive care unit.

Still according to the same source, Johnson is said to have asked Foreign Minister Dominic Raab, as Prime Minister of State, to replace him in front of the government "when necessary".

Boris Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas Hospital on Sunday night, on the advice of the doctor, as he had "persistent symptoms" of covid-19, including fever and cough, nine days ago.