Piers Morgan defends getting coronavirus test ahead of NHS workers and points out he’s an essential worker
PIERS Morgan has defended his right to be tested for the coronavirus and pointed out he IS an essential worker.
Piers revealed this weekend he was having a Covid-19 test on the advice of his doctor after suffering mild symptoms and yesterday it turned out to be negative.
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The 55-year-old qualified for access to a coronavirus test as his role as a journalist makes him a key worker - but it is not known if he had one via the NHS or paid to be privately tested.
However, he was forced to address criticism on Twitter this morning after missing his presenting slot on Good Morning Britain for a second day.
Some questioned his status as an essential worker amid the pandemic, as one person tweeted Piers: "Essential worker???? My daughter is a nurse - she is an essential worker."
And he responded back: "Your daughter is an infinitely more essential worker than me. I was drawing no equivalence, just explaining the Govt's designated all journalists & broadcasters covering the coronavirus crisis as essential workers too, which is why we can get a test if we show symptoms."
Another fan commented beneath his tweet: "So you’re justifying you getting a test but 2 weeks ago you questioned why the royal family was getting them ahead of nurses."
The row came after UK coronavirus tests fell fallen from 120,000 a day on Friday down to 76,000 yesterday, with Michael Gove admitting the government had missed its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day.
Lord Alan Sugar previously reignited his feud with Pier by questioning why he was able to get a test so quickly.
The 73-year-old Apprentice star said: "How did @piersmorgan get a test when so many front line workers are unable.
"He would be crowing from the roof top if it was another celebrity."
Coronavirus was officially deemed a global pandemic in March, and has so far claimed the lives of over 32,000 people.
Ben Shephard stepped in to present GMB alongside Piers' usual co-host Susanna Reid again today.
Susanna shared Piers' health update with viewers as the breakfast show kicked off, with Dr Hilary Jones also adding his relief as he said that the star will be "back before we know it".
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And last night, Piers told fans: "UPDATE: My COVID-19 test was negative.
"I was advised to take the test by my doctor after developing possible coronavirus symptoms, and was entitled to do so as a Govt-designated essential worker.
"I'll be back on @GMB as soon as my doctor advises I'm OK to return to work."
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