Boris Johnson’s senior adviser Dominic Cummings has returned to work at Downing Street after showing symptoms of the coronavirus over a fortnight ago.
Mr Cummings, a key member of the prime minister’s inner circle, was photographed walking into No 10 on Tuesday morning, alongside another adviser, Cleo Watson.
Before he began self isolating, he was spotted racing away from Downing Street on 27 March – just hours after news broke that the prime minister had tested positive for covid-19.
Asked whether Mr Cummings was back at work, the prime minister’s spokesman said on Tuesday: “Correct. Yes, he has back in Number 10 working today”.
They also insisted that members of government will only return to work when they are no longer symptomatic and “after following all of the relevant Public Health England guidelines”.
Pressed on why Mr Cummings did not appear to be maintaining a two-metre gap from fellow aide Ms Watson, the spokesperson insisted that “everyone in Number 10 continues to practise social distancing, which means staying two metres apart wherever possible”.
It comes as the prime minister continues to recuperate at his Chequers residence alongside his fiancee Carrie Symonds, after being discharged from St Thomas’ Hospital on Sunday. He had spent several days in intensive care after his symptoms worsened – leading to an outpouring of well wishes from global leaders and the public.
For the time being, Mr Johnson's spokesperson said the PM was not involved in any government decisions, taking official phone calls or receiving papers in ministerial red boxes while Dominic Raab, the first secretary of state and foreign secretary, continues to deputise in his absence.
They also insisted the prime minister was following the advice of his medical team “not to immediately return to work” and would not speculate on when the prime minister is expected to take up his duties again at No 10.
