Coronavirus: Lord Sugar criticised over ‘make your own’ facemasks tweet
Written by News on 03/04/2020
Lord Alan Sugar has defended a tweet he sent about making your own facemasks out of coffee filters and elastic bands as “just an idea”.
The businessman tweeted a photo of his homemade masks on Thursday with the caption: “Improvise make your own masks from kitchen roll or coffee filters elastic bands and a stapler.”
Lord Sugar, who has more than 5.3 million followers, has received widespread criticism from people who have said he should delete the tweet.
Twitter users said The Apprentice star should not be making a joke as frontline NHS staff and other key workers face a shortage of vital PPE to wear when treating patients with coronavirus.
Lord Sugar replied to one user: “No I have not tested it as I don’t know any one with the virus and I cant guarantee it will stop people getting it either. It was just an idea……. calm down chappie.”
@RickyAndrews83 tweeted: “This might be a joke but not a clever one. Delete it.”
Lord Sugar responded with: “Shut it.”
He replied to another user with: “Better than nothing all chemist sold out of masks . I don’t expect to get the design award for industry.”
NHS staff have reported being “petrified” over a lack of kit while others have been left in tears as they fear for the safety of themselves and their families.
On Thursday it was announced that filming on the 16th series of The Apprentice has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The BBC, which has broadcast the show since 2005, said it would continue to look at each of its programmes on a “case-by-case basis”.
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A BBC spokesman said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, Boundless, the producers of The Apprentice, have postponed filming in consultation with and supported by the BBC.
“We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.”
The programme sees businessmen and women go head-to-head in a bid to win a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar and hear the words “you’re hired”.
(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Lord Sugar criticised over ‘make your own’ facemasks tweet
