Daughter of Poisoned Ex-Spy No Longer in Critical Condition

Yulia Skripal 'improving rapidly,' doctors say
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 29, 2018 12:24 PM CDT
Yulia Skripal 'Improving Rapidly'
This is a file image of the daughter of former Russian Spy Sergei Skripal, Yulia Skripal taken from Yulia Skipal's Facebook account on March 6, 2018.   (Yulia Skripal/Facebook via AP, File)

Doctors say Yulia Skripal, daughter of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, is "improving rapidly" and is no longer in critical condition after being poisoned with a nerve agent alongside her father, the BBC reports. "I’m pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia Skripal. She has responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day," said the medical director for Salisbury district hospital Thursday. The 33-year-old is now listed as being in stable condition, the Guardian reports. Her father, 66, is still in critical but stable condition. Just this week, a relative said the father and daughter likely wouldn't survive.

Authorities revealed Wednesday that the Skripals first came into contact with the nerve agent at Sergei Skripal's home, where it was found on the front door. It was also found in lower concentrations in other areas around town. Now, Scotland Yard says police have cordoned off a children's play area near the home, but they say it's simply a precautionary measure. "I would like to reiterate Public Health England’s advice that the risk to the public is low," said deputy assistant commissioner Dean Haydon, noting that officers would be searching the play area. The chemical has been identified as part of a group of nerve agents developed by Russia that are known as Novichok. (More Sergei Skripal stories.)

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