Darwin anti-vaxxer protest slammed as ‘extremely dangerous’ to health, the economy

A group of about 200 Covidiots who took to the streets of Darwin to spout misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine have been slammed as ‘poorly informed’ and ‘extremely dangerous’.

Anti coronavirus vaccine protesters rally near the Smith St Mall in Darwin on Saturday. Picture: Jason Walls

A GROUP of Covidiots who took to the streets of Darwin to spout misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine have been slammed as “poorly informed” and “extremely dangerous”.

The group of about 200 bright sparks gathered near the Smith St Mall on Saturday to protest against forced injections despite the fact the vaccine rollout is and always has been voluntary.

Australian Medical Association NT president Robert Parker said the unfolding crisis in Sydney was the perfect demonstration of why the activists’ position was misguided.

“One man who was unvaccinated with no mask has led to Sydney now having six deaths, large numbers of people with infections and half the country in lockdown so there’s no better argument for a vaccine,” he said.

“Unfortunately there are always people who are poorly informed and ignore the science and suffer really badly because of it.”

Dr Parker said the sort of misinformation spread by the rally organisers put all Territorians at risk but particularly those in remote Aboriginal communities.

“It’s extremely dangerous and very poorly informed and obviously a significant threat to the health and economy of Australia and particularly the Territory with our Indigenous population who are much more at risk,” he said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said “it beggars belief” that people were spreading misinformation about Covid-19.

“Getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to help yourself and others,” he said.

“I urge all Territorians to remember this — the vaccine is safe, it’s free and it’s effective. It saves lives. Do it for yourself. Do it for your families, your mates and your community.”