Boris Johnson personally thanks NHS team at St Thomas' Hospital as he starts to walk amid his coronavirus recovery

Boris Johnson has "personally" thanked the NHS team who cared for him as he starts to take “short walks” amid his coronavirus recovery in hospital, Downing Street has said.

The PM is back on a ward at St Thomas’ Hospital after being discharged from the intensive care unit where he was being treated for Covid-19.

“The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery,” a No 10 spokesman said.

“He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.

“His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.”

Health Secretary also said on Thursday that Mr Johnson wanted to "personally thank" the hospital team.

Speaking at the daily Covid-19 press conference, Mr Hancock said: “I’m very happy to report that the Prime Minister’s condition continues to improve."

“He wants to personally thank the whole clinical team at St Thomas’ for the incredible care that he has received.

“His thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by this terrible disease.”

Mr Hancock also issued another warning to the public to “stay at home” over the Easter weekend.

Speaking at the daily press conference, he said: “This is a national effort, and every single person in this country can play their part in this plan.

“This Easter will be another test of the nation’s resolve. It’s a time of year when people normally come together.

“But however warm the weather, however tempting your local beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home."

Earlier, the PM's spokesman said he is in “very good spirits” after being discharged from intensive care as he continues to fight coronavirus, his spokesman said.

Boris Johnson is said to be “enormously grateful” for the care he has received from NHS staff at St Thomas’ Hospital.

“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.

“Hopefully it was clear to the staff that he was waving his gratitude.”