Proving his dedication to his show business career, Richard Wilkins got straight back to work on Saturday, and returned to his hosting duties on Weekend Today.
The TV presenter had been off work due to coronavirus, after he tested positive to COVID-19 multiple times, forcing him to spending 18 days in quarantined isolation.
WATCH: Presenter Richard Wilkins FINALLY tests negative for COVID-19
Writing on his Nine blog on Friday, Richard said: “To step out the front gate and actually feel free, to get in the car and go somewhere, was a weird feeling.
“For my first proper foray, I actually headed to work at Channel Nine, and on my way back I picked up some groceries from the supermarket.
“It was nice to be able to do that for myself, after relying on the generosity and thoughtfulness of friends and family, although I think I scared a few people in the deli section at Woolies until I advised them that I has been given the all-clear.”
Taking to Instagram last week, the 65-year-old confirmed he has officially been given the all-clear by posting a humorous video of himself taking out the Corona trash.
“And Coronavirus you’re outta here!” Richard captioned the video, which shows him throwing an empty Corona Extra cardboard box into his recycling bin.
“I’ve been cleared to return to work by the incredible team at NSW Health. #NEGATIVE!! Thanks all… KIA KAHA… much love,” he added.
Richard, who originally hails from New Zealand, opted to use the Māori phrase Kia kaha, which is commonly used as an affirmation, meaning stay strong.
On Tuesday, a Channel Nine spokesman reportedly confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Richard is also allowed to go back to work.
“He’s been given the all clear by health authorities to go back to work,” the spokesperson said.
Richard’s all-clear comes after he was recently slammed by fans for “using up” too many testing kits, having been tested for the virus four times in two weeks.
The entertainment guru first tested positive on March 12, following his “brief” meeting with Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson, and he has remained under quarantine at his home ever since.
“Stop using all the tests up please. There are not enough tests to go around. Stay inside longer you’re not that special,” one person wrote.
Another person asked: “Just curious why you need several more tests …? Only asking as a lot of people are being turned away.”
At the time, Richard responded: “Just doing as I’m instructed.”
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