London, May 25 (RHC)-- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings did not break coronavirus lockdown rules when he took a journey of 400km (248 miles) while having COVID-19 symptoms in April, according to Downing Street.

"Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," a spokesman said.  "At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."

It came as members of the opposition called for Cummings to step down. "If Dominic Cummings has broken the lockdown guidelines he will have to resign. It’s as simple as that," Ed Davey, co-leader of the Liberal Democrats, said.

In other news, the United Kingdom's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 282 to 36,675, the government said.  "Tragically, 36,675 people have now died," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters at a Downing Street briefing.

The government publishes the death toll based on those who definitely had COVID-19; broader figures based on suspected COVID-19 deaths give a bigger toll.