If anyone knows the best way to tackle the coronavirus crisis, it is a qualified medical professional.
Or Caprice Bourret, it has transpired.
The former model has been criticised for attempting to school a doctor on live TV about the best way to control COVID-19.
She was locked in a discussion with Dr Sarah Jarvis on today’s Jeremy Vine Show, which was filmed without a studio audience after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
Dr Jarvis disputed Caprice's claim that the best thing to do to contain coronavirus would be a two-week lockdown, saying: "It has categorically not worked."
She told the TV personality: “No disrespect but unless you have read every scientific paper and statistical modelling paper that’s come out you cannot argue with me on that.
“You can have an opinion, but it is not a fact.”
But Caprice came back with: “This is what I read. Let me tell you the facts... In Taiwan and Singapore, what they did early on in week one in February everyone was wearing surgical masks…”
“...Which makes no difference at all,” interjected Sarah.
Host Jeremy Vine then chipped in to remind Caprice and the audience at home that Sarah is the expert.
“But this is from a newspaper!” Caprice exclaimed.
As giggles rippled across the studio, she continued: “This is a spokesperson from WHO.”
Jeremy held his hands up as he said: “I just don’t want to get into a situation where we have a newspaper on one hand and the expert on the other hand.”
“A spokesperson from WHO, I think that is an authority,” persisted Caprice.
Viewers were quite unforgiving with their comments , saying she should instead heed the advice from Dr Jarvis.
One tweeted: “I am sorry but is Caprice schooling the medical expert @drSarahJarvis! Have I entered the twilight zone!!”
A second posted: “Why are you allowing Caprice to discuss something so important that she has no scientific knowledge on?”
A third said: “I'd always consult a former model before a qualified Dr for advice on viral epidemics.”
Another pointed out: “This is the age of people who read something on Facebook thinking their opinion is just as valid as someone else’s expertise. This crisis shows how dangerous that is.”
The Jeremy Vine show airs weekdays from 9.15am on Channel 5.
