Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid-19, it has been reported.
A videographer who recorded the Prime Minister making a statement to the nation later tested positive for coronavirus.
But Mr Johnson did not self-isolate after the contact, reports the Mirror.
The incident happened as Mr Johnson recorded his official New Year message on December 31, 2020, ahead of the second wave of Covid 19.
The videographer tested positive after recording the message and informed Downing Street officials.
A number of people who were in the room at the time were asked to self isolate at home for 10 days, but Mr Johnson was not.
Five days later Mr Johnson announced a new national lockdown.
A source told the Mirror that the videographer, who was not wearing a face-mask, had stood “face-to-face” with the Prime Minister for around 15 minutes and was closer than two-metres.
A Downing Street 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 him to do so.”
The spokesman added: “The Prime Minister has self-isolated on a number of previous occasions as per the regulations.”
In the New Year message Mr Johnson praised Brits for being willing to “put your lives on hold” to help protect the NHS and save lives.
