The race between the virus and the vaccine has not been won. This story serves to show how divisive the growing tensions arising from the race are – in the summer everything is focused on “freedom”, I fear a winter where, particularly for vulnerable rural dwellers, there will be more of an emphasis on the isolated, elderly and vulnerable. This article tells us:
The prime minister and chancellor will not be self-isolating after contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Downing Street said the pair would take part in a pilot programme, where daily tests replace self-isolation.
They will have to self-isolate when not working and will only conduct essential business, a spokesman said.
Labour said the public would think this means there is "one rule for them and another for the rest of us".
Mr Javid tested positive on Saturday morning after a meeting at Downing Street the day before, and both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak were contacted by NHS Test and Trace as his contacts.
Downing Street is among 20 private and public sector organisations - including Network Rail, Transport for London and Border Force - taking part in a pilot where close contacts of Covid cases take daily tests.
Workplaces need a testing system in place for asymptomatic people and individuals taking part must self-isolate when not working.