A popular American radio host who compared America’s vaccination programme to Nazism has died of Covid-19.
Marc Bernier spent 30 years on talk radio in the Daytona Beach area of Florida.
The 65-year-old conservative commentator was first admitted to hospital three weeks ago after contracting the coronavirus.
In his last tweet, Mr Bernier shared a post by local politician Nikki Fried urging people to get vaccinated.
She wrote: ‘The greatest generation had to defeat the Nazis to preserve our way of life, you’re only being asked to get a shot. So be a patriot. Turn off the TV and go get vaccinated.’
He retweeted it, adding: ‘Should say, “Now the US Government is acting like Nazi’s. Get the shot!”’
According to the News Journal, a local news organisation, Mr Bernier confirmed he wouldn’t get the jab on air.
Speaking to fellow radio host Justine Gates on December 19, he said ‘I’m not taking it’ and ‘Are you kidding me? Mr Anti-vax? Jeepers’.
Pressed by his guest over whether he would ever consider getting it, he said ‘no’, the paper reports.
In the week up to August 26, Florida recorded more than 151,000 cases of Covid-19, including 2,607 in Volusia County, where Mr Bernier’s show is aired.
The state has vaccinated 68% of its population so far but Volusia County lags behind on 62%.
Confirming his death, his radio station posted on Facebook: ‘It’s with great sadness that WNDB and Southern Stone Communications announce the passing of Marc Bernier.
‘Marc informed and entertained listeners on WNDB for over 30 years while enjoying a successful 46 year career as a broadcast journalist.
‘He will be missed by many friends, family members, and colleagues. We kindly ask that privacy is given to Marc’s family during this time of grief.’
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