Coronavirus: NZ-born TV host Richard Wilkins tests positive for COVID-19 three times

Coronavirus: NZ-born TV host Richard Wilkins tests positive for COVID-19 three times
Photo credit: Instagram/Richard Wilkins

Television host Richard Wilkins has revealed he has tested positive for coronavirus three times despite exhibiting "zero symptoms". 

The Auckland-born presenter, who works on the Today Extra show in Australia, shared an update on Instagram, after revealing his initial COVID-19 diagnosis earlier this month. 

"So... I’ve now returned a positive result THREE times... still can’t believe it as I still have ZERO symptoms," Wilkins wrote alongside a photo of him being swabbed by a doctor in protective clothing. 

"They tested me again today... and hopefully will return a NEGATIVE result. Fingers crossed!!!" 

Wilkins said he regretted "soaking up resources" in order to be tested and retested but that he would not walk outside his front door until he returned a negative result, in order to avoid putting others at risk. 

The 65-year-old also criticised the "suggestion" that people could assume they were recovered from coronavirus three days after their last symptom and "proceed with caution". 

"I find this totally unacceptable and irresponsible!" he said. 

In a video update on the Today Extra show, Wilkins said he believed he probably picked up the virus from Rita Wilson, wife of Tom Hanks, who he came into contact with before both she and Hanks tested positive for coronavirus in Australia.  

"We're assuming this is from Rita. It may not be. They said it could be anyone, anywhere, any time, such is the prevalence of this thing," he said.