By PM releases video message from self-isolation
The Prime Minister is working in self-isolation in Downing Street today after meeting an MP who later tested positive for Covid-19.
Boris Johnson said he was “pinged” by NHS Test and Trace yesterday (Sunday) and told to self-isolate, as previously reported.
In a video message released on Monday, he urged others to “follow the rules” and self-isolate if contacted by the scheme.
He also said he was “as fit as a butcher’s dog” in the video from isolation.
And he raised the prospect of a Covid-19 vaccine being distributed “perhaps before Christmas”.
Hi folks, I’ve been instructed by our NHS Test & Trace scheme to self-isolate for two weeks, after being in contact with someone with Covid-19.
I’m in good health and have no symptoms, and will continue to lead on our response to the virus & our plans to #BuildBackBetter pic.twitter.com/yNgIme8lOz
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 16, 2020
In the message the PM said: “The good news is that NHS Test and Trace continues to improve. The bad news is that I have been pinged!”
He said he would observe self-isolation rules despite “following the guidance and socially distancing” during his meeting with Tory MP Lee Anderson.
“It doesn’t matter that I feel fine – better than ever – or that my body is bursting with antibodies because I have already had the damn thing,” he added.
“The rules are the rules and they are there to stop the spread of the disease.”
In April, Mr Johnson spent three nights in intensive care after falling ill with coronavirus.
On Thursday Mr Johnson spent about 35 minutes with Mr Anderson, who lost his sense of taste the next day.
However questions are being asked today about whether the PM and Mr Anderson were following the Covid rules, after a photograph emerged of the pair stood in a room together.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Sky News this morning insisted they were following the rules saying: “They are socially distanced.”
However news anchor Kay Burley questioned: “But do they look 2 metres apart? If the PM hadn’t spent ‘more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person’ would he be in quarantine at all?”
She also asked why neither man was wearing a mask.
The news comes as the government prepares a policy relaunch after fierce internal rows and departures from No 10.
Photo: Lee Anderson, Facebook
