David Robert Grimes: Coronavirus conspiracy theorists are out to get us

Of all the bizarre scenes we’ve collectively endured since Covid-19 took hold of the world, the emergence of a fringe that denies or downplays the very reality of the virus is perhaps most perplexing. This growing cohort rejects ample evidence of a devastating pandemic, attributing the worldwide situation to sinister forces. Across Europe, the spectre of “anti-mask” protests has materialised everywhere. Last month more than 17,000 people swarmed Berlin to demand an end to social distancing. In London, hundreds took to Trafalgar Square with similar demands, resulting in 32 arrests following violent clashes with police. Last weekend an estimated crowd of 1,500-2,000 protesters marched through the streets of Dublin with the same motivation, spewing aggressive rhetoric in their wake.

To such groups, face masks are

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