Pregnant coronavirus denier admits 'COVID-19 is real' after she contracts the virus

A pregnant woman who believed conspiracy theories that COVID-19 'didn't exist' has changed her tune since contracting the virus.

28-year-old Tori Howell, from Gloucestershire, England said she used to listen to conspiracists talk about COVID, and "believed everything" they said.

'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 told Gloucestershire Live.

'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.'

Howell, who is 22 weeks pregnant, said she first realised she'd contracted the virus after losing her sense of taste and smell on January 31.

Three days later, she was diagnosed with the virus.

"Now I am really breathless. I am on steroids and antibiotics as I am asthmatic anyway," the mum-to-be said, adding she now believes it's real.

She is now being monitored by a virtual doctor who is keeping an eye on her progress. Howell said she checks her vitals then sends them to her doctor online, who then calls to check that she's okay.

She added that the baby is doing well and there are "no concerns" over his health.

Health professionals have urged influencers and celebrities to stop spreading 'harmful' theories about COVID-19, saying it's putting people at risk.

Dr Harry Nespolon, who was the President of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2020 told News.com.au that Australians should "log off."

"It makes this vital work a lot harder than it needs to be when celebrities with high profiles encourage people to ignore expert medical advice," he said.

Both Facebook and Twitter have used fact-checkers to identify and label false information about COVID-19, while also offering free advertising space to WHO and national health authorities.