THE Prime Minister has been taken into intensive care as his coronavirus symptoms worsen - and the nation is being urged to show their support.

Last night, Downing Street confirmed Boris Johnson had been taken into intensive care at St Thomas' hospital in London.

His admission came more than a week after the PM revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating.

The Northern Echo: The PM was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in London Picture: PAThe PM was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in London Picture: PA

While the PM was understood to be dealing with the virus, the government previously confirmed he would continue his duties and "leading" the response on COVID-19.

But as Britons woke up on Tuesday morning, thousands had taken to social media sites to show their support at 8pm tonight (April 7).

On Twitter, one person said: "Boris got off his sick bed to clap for the NHS. Now it is our turn to clap for our Prime Minister #ClapForBoris #GetWellBoris #Boris #BorisJohnson #ComeOnBoris."

Another wrote: "Tuesday at 8pm UK time, clap and pray for Boris, our Prime Minister please ❤️."

The official Leave.EU Twitter account said: "Let's try and make this happen. This is a man who is devoted to public service, who has been doing his best for our country and who is now fighting for his life.

"Put party politics aside. Let's show him that this country supports his efforts and wishes him a speedy recovery."

But not everybody shared the sentiment, with some saying they would reserve their 'claps' for the NHS and careworkers.

One said: "Sorry I won't be clapping. I don't want anyone to die from this dreadful virus but my clapping is reserved for the heroic frontline workers such as my two nieces who work for the NHS."

Conservative MP for Sedgefield, Paul Howell said he would be clapping for the PM this evening.