9 There is a further group of four individuals sitting at a table on the terrace. It ha s not been possible to identify these individuals, but there is no reason to suggest that this was anything other than a further work meeting. 20 May 2020; a gathering in the garden of No 10 Downing Street for No 10 staff Extracts of regulations and guidance On 26 March 2020 restrictions on leaving one¶s home Zithout a reasonable e[cuse, first announced on 23 March, came into legal effect in England. Very limited justifications permitted travel to work where it was not reasonably poss ible to work from home. Participating in a gathering of more than two persons in public was prohibited e[cept Zhere the gathering Zas ³essential for Zork purposes ́. On 13 May 2020 some restrictions were relaxed to allow meetings outdoors for exercise or r ecreation with one person from another household. Guidance encouraged those who could not work from home to go back to work. At work, social distancing guidance applied Zith Zorkplaces required ³to maintain 2m social distancing wherever possible, including while arriving at and departing from work, Zhile in Zork, and Zhen travelling betZeen sites ́. Leaving or being outside one¶s home without a reasonable excuse continued to be prohibited. Summary On 20 May 2020 there was a gathering in the No 1 0 garden. T he investigation was told that the event was for the purposes of boosting staff morale following a challenging period for staff. The invitation for the event was made initially to No 10 staff and was then extended to other individuals and teams in the Cabi net Office. It was an event planned in advance by officials and attended by a significant number of people. Some concerns were expressed about whether it was appropriate to hold the event. Preparations On 13 May 2020 at 14.53 a No 10 official (³No 10 Official 1 ́) sent an email to the No 10 Private Secretary email group and to a special adviser. It read: ³Hi all, It¶s meant to be nice Zeather ne[t Zeek so shall Ze tr\ to do a sociall\ distanced drinks in the garden on Wednesday or Thursday?
Findings of Second Permanent Secretary's Investigation Into Alleged Gatherings On Government Premises During Covid Restrictions Page 10 Page 12