Dan Walker, 43, has apologised for making a mistake while interviewing two sisters, Saleyha and Syira, whose father sadly died of coronavirus last week, on BBC Breakfast about the NHS being under pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic. The presenter seemed to suggest that pharmacists are not frontline workers while he discussed the impact of the virus and how it has affected Saleyha and Syira’s family.
Dan made the error when he asked the sisters: “There will be some people who will be thinking and still believe that this isn’t as serious as you’re suggesting and that the NHS isn’t under as much pressure as is being described.
“What is your message to them this morning?
“As we’ve heard, all six of you, brothers and sisters, you work in the NHS, five on the frontline, one is a pharmacist.”
Following the chat, one viewer took to Twitter to urge Dan to “please remember pharmacists are also on the frontline”.
READ MORE… Dan Walker ‘broken-hearted’ as BBC host addresses ‘conflict’
“Their father died last week. They both work as doctors on the frontline.
“If you are tempted to think the NHS isn’t under pressure… watch this #BBCBreakfast.”
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new national lockdown for England last night due to the continuous rise in coronavirus cases.
Taking to Twitter, Dan admitted having a “strange conflict” after hearing the news, as he hinted many people will have to forego their New Year’s resolutions.
The presented penned: “Strange conflict for so many: feeling that something had to be done but broken-hearted by another national lockdown.
“I imagine quite a few New Year’s resolutions will disappear tonight #DryJanuary.”
In an earlier tweet, Dan explained it will be a “tough few weeks” but urged people to stay safe during this difficult time.
“This is going to be tough few weeks/months after a tough year,” the BBC host said.
“’I know you’ve had enough of government guidance… but we must do this together’ – The Prime Minister. Stay safe one and all #NationalLockdown.”