Chef Pete Evans tells Sydney-siders not to get tested for Covid-19

Known for making headlines for all the wrong reasons, chef Pete Evans has now voiced his opinion on the recent Northern Beaches Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney.

In a now-deleted post to his Facebook page, Evans shared a news article about the New South Wales Covid-19 outbreak and added his own caption that urged people not to get tested for the virus. He wrote: “OUTBREAK … 2 cases,” along with three clown-face emojis. “Can you see where this is heading again. Testing for the common cold? Do not get tested.”

After media outlets reported on his wild suggestions, which are in direct contrast to the advice of health officials, Evans uploaded another screenshot of an article about him that had the headline: “Pete Evans’ ridiculous Covid plea”. Along with the article, he shared yet another warning for Australians to avoid testing.

“The lamestream media fall for it every single time,” he wrote. “It is easier than fishing at a fish farm. Keep up the great work and spread the message as far as possible don’t get tested and don’t get vaccinated and this all goes away or do both and keep the BS story going. It is your choice.”

The Northern Beaches outbreak increased by 10 people on Friday to a total of 28 positive cases including one person who travelled to Queensland before testing positive.

The comments on Evans’ post showcased a number of his supporters with sceptics agreeing with the chef’s anti-testing, anti-vaccine and anti-virus attitude. One commenter wrote: “Surely enough is enough! How can these people get away with consistently defaming you Pete. It’s disgusting!”

While another wrote: “Sometimes I wonder are the people ‘lining up’ for tests being paid to act the part.”

Evans has has a tumultuous relationship with the media since he departed Channel 7’s popular cooking show My Kitchen Rules. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Australian shores he’s been an outspoken critic of Covid testing and the government’s handling of the health crisis. In May, he called for an end to mandatory flu jabs for visitors to aged care homes.

In April, he was also fined $25,200 by the TGA for promoting a light machine that he claimed could “treat Covid-19”. After talking up the “health benefits” of the light machine during a Facebook live broadcast, the chef was slapped with two fines for alleged breaches to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.