Today Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins has broken his silence after testing positive for COVID-19 following his interview with Tom Hanks’ wife, Rita Wilson.
WATCH: Richard Wilkins’ son Christian says he will be self-isolating after dad tests positive for coronavirus
The 65-year-old spent a short time with Wilson after she made a visit to the Today studios to promote her new music. Both she and Hanks have tested positive for the virus and are currently quarantined in a Gold Coast hospital.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday following his test results, Wilkins said it was a ‘bizarre’ experience to have tested positive for the virus which has caused a global pandemic.
‘Hey… sincere thanks for all the messages… I really appreciate it,’ he said.
‘It’s actually a bizarre feeling to have tested positive to this thing we’ve all been talking about.
‘I feel 100 per cent… no symptoms at all! Thanks again… love to all RW xx’
His son Christian Wilkins addressed the shock diagnosis on Sunday evening.
‘I was not aware of my dad’s positive diagnosis for the coronavirus,’ he said, before confirming he would be getting tested himself on Monday morning.
Today Extra hosts Belinda Russell and David Campbell have both tested negative.
Ben Fordham confirmed on Sunday evening that Richard Wilkins has tested positive for COVID-19, better known as coronavirus.
Fordham made the announcement via his Twitter account.
‘Breaking – Big love to Richard Wilkins who has tested positive to coronavirus. I spoke to Dickie tonight and he feels fine,’ he shared.
The news comes a week after 65-year-old Wilkins interviewed American actress, Rita Wilson in Sydney on March 7. She and her husband, actor Tom Hanks were tested positive last week and remain hospitalised in Queensland were he is filming Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic.
A Nine spokesperson added: ‘Richard is not showing any symptoms of the virus and has been self-isolating, on his own at home, since Thursday last week.
‘Since he is still without symptoms the authorities advise that he has not knowingly put others at risk, although anyone he has been in contact with prior to Thursday afternoon has been notified and will be tested if they show any symptoms of the virus. We want to assure everyone that Richard is feeling well and still without symptoms.’
Entertainment reporter, Peter Ford added that Wilkins’ diagnosis could also have serious implications over at Channel 10.
‘Dickie Wilkins has tested positive to coronavirus. Immediate investigation who [he] has been near in recent days including his son Christian doing DWTS (in Melbourne).