Richard Wilkins has come under fire for getting tested multiple times for coronavirus.
WATCH: Richard Wilkins reveals why he ‘stuck the hairdryer down his throat’
While the TV star is on day 19 of isolation and is sick and tired of testing positive for COVID-19, fans have lashed out and accused him of using up too many testing kits.
Richard first tested positive on March 12, and has been in lockdown at home ever since.
“Stop using all the tests up please. There is not enough tests to go around. Stay inside longer your [sic] not that special,” one person commented after Wilkins revealed on Instagram he was being tested a third time.
Another asked: “Just curious why you need several more tests …? Only asking as a lot of people are being turned away.”
Wilkins responded: “Just doing as I’m instructed.”
“So …. I’ve now returned a positive result THREE times… still can’t believe it as I still have ZERO symptoms,” he wrote on Instagram.
“They tested me again today … and hopefully will return a NEGATIVE result. Fingers crossed!!! The suggestion is …. that 3 days after the last symptom …people should ‘assume’ that they’re over this thing … and ‘proceed with caution’ ! I find this totally unacceptable and irresponsible!
“I completely understand the fact that the last thing the Health Dept wants to do is spend days retesting people like me… and God knows that I don’t want to soak up resources… but I don’t see how I can walk out my front door until I have a clean ‘bill of health’! I know the health system is fighting a huge battle … and resources are stretched …but in clear conscience … I can’t put others at risk … until I’m assured that I’m not POSITIVE anymore!”
Last week he revealed he was determined to get himself well again after he has had three positive test results in recent weeks, despite not showing any symptoms for the virus.
On Thursday, the 65-year-old, who is in isolation, took to his Instagram stories to share details with his fans.
Revealing details of the extreme measures he’s taking, Richard admitted: “‘I actually stuck the hairdryer down my throat, which is not a very pleasant thing to do, because there’s another suggestion that this thing doesn’t like heat.”
He added: “I don’t know. I’m gargling with salt and water…”
“Couple of weeks I’ve been in solitary confinement here, and I’m not quite sure what’s next,” he said.
“They’re suggesting that because I’m still showing positive, maybe I’ve got some dead viral DNA coronavirus stuff in my throat, which is throwing up the positive result, even though I’m not contagious and I’m still asymptomatic,” he explained.
“So it’s all a bit confusing, but maybe I should gargle and that’s it?”
Richard admitted he’s still unable to return to work, and has been feeling “very guilty” about it, as others are forced to pick up his load.
“I just spoke to the boss, and clearly I can’t come back to work just yet,” he explained.
“I’m starting to feel very guilty because of all the people who have had to fill in and do stuff. So, apologies for that, lots of love.”
Richard has been in self-isolation since he first announced that he had tested positive for the virus on March 12.
While it remains unclear where Richard picked up the virus, he did “briefly” meet singer Rita Wilson, who also tested positive, backstage at her Sydney Opera House concert on March 7.
Rita and her husband, actor Tom Hanks, have been in isolation since they both tested positive for coronavirus on March 12, and are now recovering at a Gold Coast rental home.
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