Coronavirus deniers have gathered for a mass demonstration to honour the ANZACs in Melbourne today – despite the city’s cases numbers spiralling out of control.
Members of a national conservative Christian Facebook group posted pictures of themselves attending a “Dawn Service” in Sydney this morning. And despite record coronavirus case numbers in Victoria, another event is scheduled at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance at 10am.
Many in the Christian group with over 2000 members said they’d attend the event.
A flyer for the demonstration is being circulated widely among anti-mask communities, urging people to pay tribute to the soldiers despite strict lockdown orders.
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Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday gave a clear warning to those wishing to gather for the event.
“I’ve got a very clear message for anybody who wants to go to that protest or any other protest; Don’t do it,” he said.
“The only thing we should be protesting against, or fighting against, is this virus. Stay at home means stay at home. It’s not one of the lawful reasons to leave your home.”
The state witnessed its deadliest day on Thursday – and Australia’s highest daily total in the pandemic so far – recording 723 new COVID-19 cases.
After announcing 13 deaths on Thursday morning, a 14th death was reported later that night – a man in his 50s from the regional Victorian town of Portland in the state’s west.