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Boris Johnson recorded his official New Year message on December 31, 2020. The videographer, who did not wear a face mask, later tested positive for Covid-19, but the Prime Minister did not self-isolate

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Boris Johnson reflects on covid in 2021 New Year speech

Boris Johnson has been accused of failing to self-isolate last January despite coming into close contact with a Downing Street aide who tested positive.

The Prime Minister recorded his official New Year message on December 31, 2020, as the nation was on the brink of a devastating second wave of Covid.

No 10’s videographer, who sources claimed stood “close” to Mr Johnson during the recording, later tested positive for coronavirus.

They informed Downing Street chiefs and other colleagues in the room at the time were asked to self-isolate at home for 10 days.

But the PM was not among them.

Just five days later, on January 4 last year, Mr Johnson announced the country would be plunged into its third national lockdown.

The Prime Minister recorded his official New Year message on December 31, 2020

One source told the Mirror that the videographer, who was not wearing a face-mask, had stood “face-to-face” with the PM for around 15 minutes.

They also suggested that the aide was standing just within two metres of Mr Johnson during the recording.

Under official guidance at the time, those who came within two metres, for more than 15 minutes, of somebody who later tested positive were required to self-isolate.

The quarantine rules also applied to those who came into face-to-face contact, within one metre and for any length of time, with a person who then developed Covid.

Downing Street said the recording had not breached social distancing rules so Mr Johnson had not been required to self-isolate.

Boris Johnson has been accused of failing to self-isolate
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A spokesman said: “The Prime Minister was socially distanced from the individual who subsequently tested positive and the duration of the filming was shorter than 15 minutes.

“This has been reaffirmed by those present. He was not advised to isolate as the rules did not require …….

Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-didnt-self-isolate-25844688