A Liberal candidate for the upcoming Western Australian election has stepped down after it was revealed that she had penned an article claiming 5G technology was linked to coronavirus.
Andrea Tokaji, who was a candidate for the southern metro seat of Baldivis, had authored the article in April last year and she pointed to discredited theories that the pandemic was related to radio wave technologies.
According to Tokaji's article, the Spanish Flu of 1918 - which killed an estimated 50 million worldwide - had an 'undeniable correlation' with the introduction of radar equipment.
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She also claimed that 'that Wuhan was the first city to introduce blanketed 5G'.
"This may be the evidence we have been overlooking," she said in the piece.
"In a similar fashion, the 1968 pandemic, referred to as the Hong Kong flu coincided with the introduction of satellites in the Van Allen Belt, omitting radio-active frequencies on levels which our bodies have adverse reactions to.
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"There is a current global roll-out of 5G towers and technology. So, based on historical, scientific and expert evidence, we have to ask: is there a correlation between the current roll-out of 5G technology and COVID-19?"
She went on to make the claim - which has been heavily discredited - that 5G technology interferes with our 'molecular structure'.
Tokaji wrote in the blog: "[An] interference with our molecular structure by outside environmental forces such as radio waves, satellite signalling or electromagnetic fields that are introduced to our biological system poisons it, killing our DNA or damaging its functionality and ability to regenerate.
"The radiation that is emitted into the airwaves is attacking our immune system and our neurone functioning, leading to the most vulnerable in our communities such as the elderly, the young and those with pre-existing medical conditions more susceptible to airborne viruses."
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Social media users didn't hold back with their thoughts on the Liberal candidate's piece, with many Redditors poking holes in the debunked theory.
One asked: "Did she really say 'omitting radio-active frequencies' instead of 'emitting'?"
Another added: "A conspiracy nut and a 'former youth pastor': what a combination!"
As the blog post made the rounds across social media and backlash snowballed, Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup soon announced that Tokaji had agreed to withdraw as the candidate for Baldivis. He also distanced himself from the problematic claims made in her article.
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"In the fight against COVID-19 there is no politics," he said.
"I absolutely do not endorse her published views and will not be distracted from the job of keeping Western Australians safe and putting forward our positive plan for the state.
"The first policy I announced as leader was to back the advice of the Chief Health Officer without hesitation and to make that advice public.
"I have acted to make sure there is absolutely no question about where we stand on COVID-19."
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