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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Liv Clarke

What were the Covid rules when Boris Johnson enjoyed his birthday cake?

Boris Johnson is facing more backlash after reports emerged of another party being held at Downing Street during the first lockdown.

Allegedly a surprise birthday party was held for the Prime Minister inside No 10 and was attended by 30 people, when the rest of the country was under tough coronavirus restrictions.

The event reportedly took place in the Cabinet Room after a meeting where M&S nibbles were served and a cake was presented to Mr Johnson.

Staff also sang ‘happy birthday’ at the event on June 19, 2020, at a time when social mixing indoors was banned.

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According to Downing Street the Prime Minister only ‘briefly’ attended for 10 minutes.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: “A group of staff working in No 10 that day gathered briefly in the Cabinet Room after a meeting to wish the Prime Minister a happy birthday. He was there for less than 10 minutes.”

What were the rules when the birthday party reportedly took place?

Two-metre social distancing was required outside in June 2020 (Getty Images)

At the time people in England were banned from socialising indoors with other households.

People were only allowed to meet in groups of up to six outside and two-metre social distancing had to be observed.

It wasn’t until July 4 that rules on indoor socialising was lifted, and it was still limited to two households.

A ‘reasonable excuse’ was required for people to stay away from home overnight.

Choirs were also not allowed to rehearse over fears that singing could help spread the virus.

In June 2020 venues such as pubs, restaurants, cinemas and places of worship remained closed and didn’t open until July 4.

Non-essential shops had been allowed to reopen on June 15.

The majority of school children remained at home, with only primary schools allowing certain age groups to return in June.

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