Dominic Cummings in isolation as pressure mounts over NHS testing

Coronavirus outbreak at heart of government worsens
Francis Elliott
, Political Editor |
Chris Smyth
, Whitehall Editor
The Times
Dominic Cummings has joined a growing number of those working at Downing Street who are now experiencing symptoms
Dominic Cummings has joined a growing number of those working at Downing Street who are now experiencing symptoms
HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS
Francis Elliott
, Political Editor |
Chris Smyth
, Whitehall Editor
The Times

Dominic Cummings is the latest senior Downing Street figure to show symptoms of a coronavirus infection.

Downing Street sources confirmed that Boris Johnson’s most senior adviser was self-isolating at home after developing symptoms at the weekend. It was reported that he remained “in touch” with others in No 10.

It is not known whether Mr Cummings has been tested. The prime minister tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday night and has been in isolation at No 11 since. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is also infected and Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, is self-isolating with symptoms.

Mr Cummings’s suspected infection will renew concerns that social distancing was flouted at No 10 and at Westminster more generally.

News of the latest infection