Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The key dates
March 18 At his Downing Street briefing, PM says: “Everyone – everyone – must follow the advice.” Whole household to stay home for 14 days if any has symptoms and children “should not be left with older relatives.”
March 23 Strict lockdown rules imposed. Essential travel only. Boris Johnson says on TV going to family homes allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as to leave food or medicine at their door.
March 27 Cummings is seen running along Downing Street shortly after Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed to have coronavirus.
Weekend of March 28/29
Cummings said to have developed coronavirus symptoms.
March 30 Downing Street confirms Cummings is self-isolating.
March 30 – April 6 The period family had virus, says Cummings’ wife Mary Wakefield – who makes no mention of the trip but tells of challenges of caring for their son.
March 31 Cummings’ family spoken to by police after he and his family travelled up to Durham. Police said officers “made contact with the owners… who confirmed the individual in question was present”. Downing Street has denied police were involved, adding Cummings “went to a house near to but separate from his extended family”.
April 3 Matt Hancock tells Downing Street briefing staying at home is “not a request, it is an instruction.”
April 5 Cummings seen at parents’ home. Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer quits for breaking lockdown. Boris Johnson taken to hospital.
April 10 Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries says being too ill to look after a small child is an “exceptional circumstance”.
April 12 Cummings is spotted in Barnard Castle.
April 14 Questions raised about his social distancing after Cummings pictured with Downing Street aide.
April 16 New guidance allows driving to countryside for walks.
April 19 Cummings seen in woods near family’s Durham home.
May 5 Prof Neil Ferguson quits as scientific adviser over lover’s visits.
May 22 News breaks in Mirror and Guardian of Cummings’ trips.
Today Visiting friends or family in their own homes remains off-limits.