Prime Minister abandons plans to avoid quarantine after backlash

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have abandoned plans to avoid quarantine after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace following a furious political backlash.

Downing Street originally said they would be taking part in a pilot, in which they'd have a daily test instead, but have since done a U-Turn on that decision.

It has now said the two ministers would be self-isolating rather than taking part in a daily contact testing pilot.

“The Prime Minister has been contacted by NHS Test and Trace to say he is a contact of someone with Covid,” a spokesman said.

“He was at Chequers when contacted by Test and Trace and will remain there to isolate. He will not be taking part in the testing pilot.

“He will continue to conduct meetings with ministers remotely. The Chancellor has also been contacted and will also isolate as required and will not be taking part in the pilot.”

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• test and trace
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