British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved out of intensive care on Thursday at the London hospital where he is being treated for the new coronavirus, as his government told Britons to prepare for several more weeks in lockdown, AP reports.

Johnson had been in the ICU at St Thomas Hospital since Monday after his symptoms of Covid-19 worsened.

Johnson's office said he was moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery.

The British leader tested positive for the new coronavirus two weeks ago and at first had only mild symptoms. He was hospitalised Sunday and taken to the ICU a day later.