Analysis as Raab becomes caretaker prime minister

The former head of the UK Civil Service on Monday said while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will be able to carry the "bulk" of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's duties while he is in hospital, he may face limits on his "political power".

Bob Kerslake explained: "Boris Johnson won a big election victory and carries with him significant political authority that isn't there in the same way for Dominic Raab."

Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit of a London hospital after his coronavirus symptoms worsened Monday, just a day after he was admitted for what were said to be routine tests.

Britain has no official post of deputy prime minister, but Raab has been designated to take over should Johnson become incapacitated.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The vast majority of people recover.