NHS workers furious after Prince Charles is tested for coronavirus despite having only mild symptoms
Frontline workers at the National Health Service (NHS), who are battling the novel coronavirus each day, are reportedly furious at Prince Charles as he received the test despite exhibiting only mild symptoms.
The Prince of Wales was tested positive for the virus on March 25 and is reportedly in self-isolation. A statement from the royal establishment stated that he has "mild symptoms that are not expected to become more serious."
Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were both given the test by NHS Aberdeenshire "where they met the criteria required for testing", the Clarence House announced.
Although there were some who sent well wishes to Charles after his diagnosis, there were many, particularly at the NHS, who were irked by the news considering that frontline workers, who deal with infected patients on a regular basis, were not being tested for the virus.
Doctors and nurses at the NHS have said that they risk infecting patients and their families if they themselves are infected by the virus, and may have to self-isolate at home meaning they would not be able to take care of the sick.
Medical professionals have urged for priority testing for staff so that they can remain at work and treat patients. Over a million people have also signed a petition demanding the same from the government, the Mirror reported.
After Charles' diagnosis, GP Alex Gates took to Twitter, writing: "I think we can all join together in wishing Prince Charles all the very best in his fight with mild suspected coronavirus symptoms which isn’t confirmed because he’s not eligible for a test because he has mild symptoms.... oh. No. Wait... it... is? Confirmed? I see."
While another medic with the username of @Celebrity_Medic, wrote: "It’s day 3 since I started with a cough and temp (39.0), feel ok strangely. Problem is i am not going to be tested so will never know if it was COVID or not, nor will my family. Yet MPs and Prince Charles get a test. Maybe HCPs getting it not good PR."
Another health worker Doctor Naveed wrote: "Why am I refused a test after seeing patients with covid infections and Prince Charles or any celebrity can get a test within seconds? We’re playing Russian roulette with minimal protection; leaving behind our families who are constantly worrying if we’re still alive every night."
While Dr Mike wrote: " Nurses here coughing and unwell and told to go home. No test. Prince Charles, mild symptoms, tested. NHS workers are cannon fodder. We are expendable. We will die soon. Will anyone really care?"
Another user Jay Ward tweeted: "I hate to make political statements at a time like this, but now Prince Charles has been tested, is there any chance we can test our brave NHS workers? My wife is isolated and working hard at home doing online consultations, but a simple test would allow her to see patients again."
Twitter user with the name Jacko wrote: "So Prince Charles has it his wife doesn’t both been tested with taxpayers money my wife a nurse on the frontline NO TEST beggars belief this."