Boris Johnson waves at health care workers as he is wheeled out of intensive care

Boris Johnson waved to NHS as a gesture of thanks while he was being moved out of intensive care, Downing Street said today.

The statement is a rare glimpse into the Prime Minister's condition as he begins his recovery from severe COVID-19 at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

After three days in intensive care, Mr Johnson was moved out onto a ward last night shortly before the 8pm 'Clap for Carers'.

Today his 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."

Downing Street has refused to comment in much detail on Mr Johnson's state - including whether he has spoken directly to colleagues or used a phone.

However, the No10 spokesman added: "The Prime Minister is enormously grateful for the care he is receiving from NHS staff.

"I’m told he was waving his thanks to all the nurses and doctors he saw and he was being moved from the intensive care unit back to the ward."

No10 could not say whether he was able to speak, but said the PM has made "friendly gestures" before.

Asked if there was more than a wave, for example a thumbs-up, the spokesman said: "As the Prime Minister was being taken back to the ward from intensive care unit he was waving to the staff.

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