British PM Boris Johnson isolates after coronavirus exposure, amid confusion ahead of ‘Freedom Day’
- Johnson and cabinet minister Rishi Sunak will work remotely after being exposed to Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who tested positive
- Downing Street reversed its position after saying they were part of a pilot to work from the office and isolate at home ahead of restrictions being dropped
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will be working remotely in the week ahead after they came into contact with a person infected with Covid-19, Downing Street said.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed on Saturday he had tested positive and was now self-isolating for 10 days.
He had a “lengthy” meeting with Johnson on Friday, according to The Sunday Times. The prime minister nearly died of Covid-19 last year.
Javid also appeared alongside ministers in parliament last week, and one government source told The Telegraph newspaper: “I don’t see how half the cabinet doesn’t end up in isolation by the end of the week.”
Initially, a Downing Street spokesperson said both Johnson and Sunak were taking part in a government pilot that enables them to continue working from their offices, while self-isolating outside of work.