Who deserves a coronavirus test more: a doctor or a Cabinet minister’s daughter? – Steve Cardownie

Steve Cardownie questions the decision to test Michael Gove’s daughter for coronavirus so the minister no longer needed to self-isolate after her negative result.

Michael Gove was seen out jogging despite his daughter displaying coronavirus symptoms but she later tested negative (Picture: Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty Images)

So, Michael Gove’s daughter jumps to the front of the queue for a coronavirus test after showing possible symptoms in an effort to determine whether or not he should self-isolate for 14 days.

After being seen out jogging after stating that he was about to self-isolate it emerged that his daughter was extended what looks like preferential treatment by Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, with No 10 issuing a statement to the effect that: “The test was carried out on the advice of the chief medical officer and in line with medical guidance.”

The test proved negative, thereby releasing Gove from his self-imposed exile, which all seems rather convenient and may do nothing to dispel the notion that the old boys’ network was at play here.

How many doctors and nurses are needlessly self-isolating at home waiting for a test that could signal the all-clear and allow them to go back to work?

I would much rather see a doctor or a nurse administering treatment and care to a patient that needs it than the sight of a wee red faced man, puffing and panting through the streets of London in his simmet, shorts and gutties.