Coronavirus deniers are gathering today in Melbourne for a mass demonstration to support the ANZACs – given the spiralling out of control case numbers in the region.
Members of a national conservative Christian Facebook group have already posted pictures of this morning’s ‘dawn service’ in Sydney.
And amid record numbers of cases of coronavirus in Australia, an event is planned today at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
Most on the more than 2000-member Christian party say they are leaving.
A flyer for the event is circulated widely among anti-mask groups, encouraging individuals to pay tribute to the soldiers given strict lockdown orders.
“If you attend ANZAC 25th April usually, then there should be no difference on this date as they removed our rights to attend our shrines for ANZAC this year due their fake COVID lockdown,” the woman said in the caption of the post.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday gave a clear warning for anyone planning 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.
“As for enforcement and how that happens on the ground, that’s a matter for Victoria Police.
“And I don’t think you ever want a situation where the Premier is telling Victoria Police who they should fine and who they shouldn’t.
“That would be a very different Victoria. I know this is unique, where we’re at at the moment, but I don’t think we want to get to that point. But this is incredibly serious.
“And every time somebody doesn’t do the right thing, every time somebody contributes to the spread of the virus, then that means that another family will be having to plan a funeral. That’s just the maths of this. It’s just the logic of this.”
***UPDATE
It was later revealed that multiple anti-mask protesters have been arrested after gathering for a demonstration in Melbourne despite surging COVID-19 case numbers.
“Police will investigate the events of this morning’s demonstration and plan to issue fines to individuals who were identified,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“We will also continue to investigate to identify other individuals who were in attendance, and we will consider enforcement options.
“There will continue to be a highly visible police presence in the area throughout the day to ensure the Chief Health Officer’s directions are complied with.”