British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from hospital in London after treatment for the novel coronavirus, but will not return to work straight away.

Johnson, 55, was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in south London a week ago, and spent three days in the intensive care unit after his symptoms deteriorated.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The PM has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery, at Chequers.

"On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work. He wishes to thank everybody at St Thomas' for the brilliant care he has received.

"All of his thoughts are with those affected by this illness," the spokesperson added.

Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 on March 27, but continued to oversee government handling of the pandemic while isolating himself in Downing Street.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputizing for Johnson while he was in hospital.