Coronavirus: Dr Alex George says colleagues have died as he urges people to practice social distancing

‘Just because you’re young, it isn’t guaranteed that you’re going to have the mild illness,’ former Love Island star says

Dr Alex George has spoken about how some of his colleagues have died after contracting the coronavirus.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday morning, the former Love Island star spoke about the importance of understanding the severity of the pandemic.

The A&E doctor told talk show co-anchors Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid that he believes “anyone who says that they're not concerned about catching coronavirus is not being completely open”.

“Of course we’re concerned,” the 30-year-old said. "The vast majority of those who are young, fit, it is a mild to moderate illness, but that's not a guarantee.

“Some of my colleagues passing away… it isn’t guaranteed that you’re going to have the mild illness.”

Dr George acknowledged that he may “lose more colleagues” to the virus, which he described as “frightening”.

“We know that we have a job to do, we trained as doctor, as nurses, as physios, occupational therapists and so on because we want to help people, we want to do our bit in times like this, and we’re doing our best,” he said.

The doctor also addressed how some people are still refraining from responsibly following social distancing guidelines and thus putting themselves and others at further risk of becoming infected.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking when you see people not following the guidance,” he stated.

“I drove past Clapham Common the other day to work, mentally preparing for what we would see in A&E, and I saw people lying out and sunbathing, and if they knew the risks and they could see through our eyes and see what we could see, feel what we could experience in A&E, they wouldn’t do it.”

Last week, a retired doctor who returned to work to help treat Covid-19 patients died after contracting the virus.

Dr Alfa Saadu’s son, Dani Saadu, wrote that the NHS “were amazing and did everything they could” during the two-week period his father was ill.

“Up until he got sick, he was still working part-time saving people,” Dani said, explaining that his father had worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years in the UK and in Africa.

“The coronavirus is not a joke,” the doctor’s son added.

“Please take it seriously and listen to the government. Please stay safe and protect your loved ones — nothing is more important.”