Pregnant Covid conspiracy theorist, 28, admits virus is ‘real’ after she tested positive

A pregnant Covid conspiracy theorist has now admitted the virus is ‘real’ and said ‘I would not wish this on anyone’ after she tested positive and was left struggling to breathe. 

Tori Howell, from the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, adamantly believed the pandemic was a hoax until she started to develop symptoms on Sunday evening.

Three days later the 28-year-old tested positive for the virus and is now pleading with people to stay at home. 

Miss Howell, who is 22 weeks pregnant, told Gloucestershire Live: ‘I used to listen to every conspiracy theory and believed everything against the reality of what I know now.

‘I had been poorly since Sunday and lost my sense of taste and smell. It started with a cold and headache and then sickness.

‘Now I am really breathless. I am on steroids and antibiotics as I am asthmatic anyway. I got to say yesterday was my worst day.’

Ms Howell still feels unwell but her baby is doing well. 

She is now regularly in touch with a virtual doctor who is keeping an eye on her progress.  

‘I read so many things online about the virus and I honestly thought it was a load of rubbish as for months I did not know anyone with it,’ she said. 

‘This virus is real. I take back all I ever said before. My message to people is to please stay home. I would not wish this on anyone.’ 

It comes a day after Covid conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn was arrested over leaflets comparing Britain’s vaccination programme to Auschwitz.

Police said the 73-year-old was detained for ‘malicious communications and public nuisance’.

The brother of former Labour leader Jeremy came up with the ‘concept’ for a pamphlet which features a cartoon drawing of the Nazi death camp.

Above the gates leading into Auschwitz – where 1.2million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust – a sign reads ‘vaccines are safe path to freedom’.

Below is an Evening Standard article with the same headline and a caption reading: ‘This cynical newspaper headline is in the tradition of the Nazi slogan ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ (work sets you free) whereas in reality, the truth is the opposite.’

Piers Corbyn is credited for the ‘concept’ and Alexander Heaton – who was charged with breaking restrictions during protests in May – for the drawing.