Questions asked as to why prince was tested on the NHS

A member of the Scottish Parliament has expressed surprise that the Prince of Wales was tested for Covid-19 on the NHS.

Joan McAlpine, SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, tweeted she wishes Charles a speedy recovery, but added: “Given that his symptoms are said to be mild, like many I wonder how he was tested when many NHS and social care workers cannot get tested.

“My nephew, who has serious asthma and a chest infection was recently refused a test.”

The NHS Scotland website says people will only generally be tested for Covid-19 if they “have a serious illness that requires admission to hospital”.

Charles and Camilla are both aged over 70 – the age group told to take social distancing particularly seriously.

The government advice says: “We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (Covid-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.”

The group includes anyone aged 70 or over, regardless of any medical conditions.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said: “I’ve discussed with the team in NHS Grampian and from the information I’ve been given, it’s clear he was tested for clinical reasons.

“I’m pleased also that he is well and as with many people who have had this virus, he has had a mild illness.”

Around 1.5 million people in England fall into a more serious group and have been told to stay at home for 12 weeks.

This includes those who have received a donor organ, anyone on active chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer, some with specific cancers and people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she has sent her best wishes to the Prince of Wales.