Boris Johnson’s press secretary ‘self-isolating over Covid fears’
The Prime Minister’s press secretary has been forced to self-isolate under coronavirus rules, it is understood.
Allegra Stratton, appointed Downing Street spokesperson in November amid speculation of a power struggle inside No 10, will not be at work all of next week.
It is not known whether she tested positive for the virus or only came into contact with someone who had it.
It comes after the Health Secretary announced he was self-isolating in line with the Government’s guidance on Tuesday this week.
Matt Hancock told how he had been ‘pinged’ by the NHS app and would remain at home until Sunday.
He tweeted: ‘Last night I was alerted by the @NHSCovid19app to self isolate so I’ll be staying at home & not leaving at all until Sunday. We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control.’
Hancock received the alert days after being spotted in a London park – appearing to ignore pleas from his boss for the public to stay at home.
Ms Stratton – a former aide to Chancellor Rishi Sunak – was hired to front White House-style daily press briefings at No 10.
But she has yet to make her television debut since starting two months ago.
Ms Stratton, an ex-journalist, was reportedly due to begin addressing the public from a former Downing Street courtroom converted into a studio.
This is said to have been pushed back to January 11 then delayed again due to the lockdown.
Leaked government documents suggested that anyone who tests positive for coronavirus could be paid £500 to stay at home in a desperate bid to halt the spread of the disease.
Department of Health figures show the number of new cases has dropped by a quarter in the past week – but the daily death toll remains high.
Yesterday’s figures showed 1,401 people died with 28 days of a positive test, with 40,261 infections recorded. The total number of deaths stands at 95,981.
At a Downing Street press conference last night the Prime Minister revealed three things that need to happen before lockdown restrictions can be lifted – including a drop in the rate of infection.
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