Nick Robinson tested for coronavirus: BBC Radio 4 host self-isolates for at least two days

BBC Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson has said he is in self-isolation at home over fears of contracting deadly coronavirus after returning from a trip abroad. The broadcaster took to Twitter and informed his fans he has had to place himself in “isolation” at home after returning from Vietnam.

In view of his 964,000 followers, Nick wrote: “Two days self-isolation at home. What to watch/read? The Irishman? United beating Watford? Democratic debate? Any other thoughts. Need light relief after reading brilliant but harrowing books about. Vietnam War & Killing Fields.”

In a follow up tweet, he said: “Thoughts go to all those on NHS frontline working to keep us safe from coronavirus. Thanks to staff at @WhitHealth who tested me last night on return from great holiday in Vietnam & Cambodia.

“Routine precautionary check on doctors advice. Hope for all clear within 48 hours.”

The Whittington Health Trust replied to Nick’s tweet, saying: “Hi Nick, thank you for your support. Hope you get the all clear as soon as possible.”

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The BBC broadcaster now has to wait 48 hours before he is given the results after being tested for the virus.

It comes after UK authorities have been advising anyone travelling abroad to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they aren’t showing symptoms.

The killer virus – for which there is still no vaccine or cure – has hit the UK, Germany and France in recent weeks, with multiple cases confirmed.

Italy has seen a recent surge in the coronavirus outbreak as the virus continues to spread.

“I’m in self isolation having been to Iran for past four or five days. I’m not meant to congregate with any people. I’m sitting at home. For two weeks,” he told viewers last night.

“I actually feel rather tired but that was from the trip. We weren’t actually near any of the main virus occurred. Well to be actually honesty, the enormity of prospect of 14 days hasn’t hit me.”

Jon added: ”Doing things to catch up with. Not had time to work how I’m in fact going to handle this. I’m not very good with my own company.

“It’s why I like working for Channel 4 News, it’s a big, mostly happy team. Maybe if you call me again in 14 days, you’ll have a head case on your hands.”

Public Health England now plans to test thousands of patients with flu-like symptoms via 11 hospitals and 100 GP practices to see if the virus has spread into the population.

Italy has become the first European country gripped by an outbreak with 11 fatal cases and the UK government have advised anyone who has gone north of Pisa to self-isolate themselves.

England’s top doctor warned a global pandemic may lead to school closures, families quarantined and public transport shut down.

Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said yesterday: “There’s no secret there’s a variety of things you need to look at, like school closures.”

source: express.co.uk