Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite has received a hostile online response after asking if she can hire workmen to redo her back garden.
Most of the UK population are currently in lockdown due to the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease, with government advising only "essential" workers go about their usual business.
Posting on Twitter yesterday, Outhwaite - Mel Owen in the soap - wrote: "I'm confused. Can I find 1 or 2 workmen to level and tile an area of the garden in these times? There still seems to be outdoor garden & building work happening. Grey area?"
One of her followers replied: "Just why though? No grey needed. Not essential, not needed, saving lives is and that's not a grey area. It's simple, non-essential, do not do it!"
Another added: "Considering you could not believe people were still going out a few days ago, I cannot believe you are expecting people to come out to fix some paving slabs for you !! Practice what you preach."
Outhwaite subsequently conceded that her building work was not "essential", posting: "Thank you for your messages. It would be giving a self employed worker a job but you are right, not essential."
Almost half a million people worldwide have now tested positive for COVID-19, with more than 22,000 losing their lives - including 465 in the UK.
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