Joe Rogan criticised Australia's lockdowns. Photo / Getty Images
Joe Rogan criticised Australia's lockdowns. Photo / Getty Images
Comedian, UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan has labelled Australia's Covid response "crazy".
The nation is currently battling one of the worst outbreaks of the virus since the pandemic began. Harsh restrictions have been introduced across most states and territories, including citywide shutdowns, since the Delta outbreak began.
Since Junethere have been 29 deaths related to the virus. Sydney has also recorded the largest amount of daily case numbers with 319 on Saturday.
The constant community transmission has forced the government to call on support from the Australian Defence Force, to the ire of Rogan.
"There's some crazy s*** going on right now where the army is trying to keep people inside in Australia," he said during a podcast posted on Spotify on August 4.
"They have full on government lockdowns where the government is flying helicopters over streets saying 'go back indoors, you're not allowed outside'."
He is referencing social media clips of helicopters flying over beaches in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Rogan has been criticised for his anti-vaccine views. In a previous podcast he told listeners he would not suggest the vaccine to a healthy 21-year-old.
"If you're a healthy person, and you're exercising all the time, and you're young, and you're eating well … like, I don't think you need to worry about this," he said.
After being criticised he stressed he was not a source for scientific information. "I'm not a doctor," he said. "I'm not a respected source of information, even for me."
Health officials, scientists and doctors have repeatedly said the vaccines are safe, effective and the best way for Australia to return to normal.
It comes as PM Scott Morrison has reportedly pleaded with the Biden administration to send up to 26 million unused vaccine doses Down Under as the nation's Delta strain crisis spirals out of control.
The Weekend Australian reported the Australian government has "made representations" with the US for several weeks urging the superpower to send more Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Scott Morrison's requests have so far been unsuccessful.
