Public/Global Health

Australia deporting conservative British commentator Katie Hopkins after breach of quarantine rules

Australia is deporting Katie Hopkins after the conservative British commentator breached the country’s quarantine rules, multiple news outlets reported on Monday. 

While in Sydney to appear on Australian reality TV program “Big Brother VIP,” Hopkins drew criticism after posting a since-deleted Instagram video in which she joked about answering the door naked and maskless while quarantining at a hotel, according to Reuters

Australia’s minister for home affairs, Karen Andrews, said on Monday that the government reviewed Hopkins’s visa and deciding to deport the commentator. 

Andrews told Australian media that visa holders should abide by health officials’ guidelines.

“We won’t tolerate those who don’t,” Andrews said.

“We will be getting her out of the country as soon as we can arrange that,” the official added. 

Sydney is set to end a five-week lockdown on July 30, Reuters reported, adding that nearly half of Australia’s 25 million people are living under lockdowns imposed to stem an uptick in COVID-19 cases driven by the delta variant.

Hopkins has gained notoriety in the past few years for her anti-immigration and anti-Muslim remarks and support of former President Trump, The Associated Press noted

In an Instagram post, Hopkins said that people who wear masks are now considered “superior” and and anyone who doesn’t is an “ignorant individualist.” 

 

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