The devastating coronavirus crisis that has ripped across the world this year has fulled the rise of the phrase ‘the new normal’ as people adapted to a different way of living.
But as the wave of the pandemic rolled from the Far East to the West it also catalysed a surge in more abnormal thinking and behaviour.
Conspiracy theorists have made unsubstantiated claims the virus was caused or helped by 5G masts, which were being built to support the new wireless technology that quickens internet speed.
Thugs attacked mobile phone towers in the UK, Europe, the US and other parts of the world over fears they were hampering their health.
The belief has been spread on social media sites such as TikTok and by infamous activists including former footballer David Icke and ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers.
It has also been linked to other conspiracy theories such as the anti-vaxx movement, which has been supported by suspended nurse Kate Shemirani.
Here, MailOnline looks at the key members of these conspiracy groups and what they have done to peddle their lies.
Conspiracy theorists have made unsubstantiated claims the virus was caused or helped by 5G masts, which were being built to support the new wireless technology that quickens internet speed. Pictured: A tower in Bradford this year
Thugs attacked mobile phone towers in the UK (pictured, Huddersfield), Europe, the US and other parts of the world over fears they were hampering their health
The belief has been spread by infamous activists such as former footballer David Icke and ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers. Left: London. Right: Huddersfield
Ex-footballer turned conspiracy theorist who believes the world is run by reptiles
David Icke
David Icke is a notorious conspiracy theorist who often makes headlines for his controversial comments.
Born in 1952, the 68-year-old former professional footballer has written more than 20 books and once tried his hand at punditry and sports reporting.
In 1991, he appeared on Sir Terry Wogan’s TV chat show where he declared himself as the son of God in a now-infamous clip which he describes as a ‘defining moment’.
David Icke is a notorious conspiracy theorist who often makes headlines for his controversial comments
David Icke is pictured middle row, third from left during his days as a goalkeeper for Hereford United
It was from here that he began writing his books and making bold predictions including that the world would end in 1997.
Other bizarre claims he have made include that the royal family are lizards.
Icke also believes that an inter-dimensional race of reptilian beings called the Archons has hijacked the earth and is stopping humanity from realising its true potential.
The 68-year-old has said the universe is made up of ‘vibrational’ energy, and consists of an infinite number of dimensions that share the same space, just like television and radio frequencies, and that some people can tune their consciousness to other wavelengths.
Most recently, he has suggested the coronavirus is linked to the 5G mobile network, a claim which has never been backed up by science.
Former Labour leader’s brother arrested five times for breaching Covid restrictions
Piers Corbyn
Jeremy Corbyn’s older brother Piers has been detained five times during the coronavirus pandemic which he brands a ‘plandemic’.
The 73-year-old claims Covid-19 is a ‘hoax’ and is the founder of a group called No New Normal.
He is close to footballer turned conspiracy theorist David Icke, who believes global events are decided by reptiles.
Jeremy Corbyn’s older brother Piers has been detained five times during the coronavirus pandemic which he brands a ‘plandemic’
Piers Corbyn, older brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, at a protest against coronavirus restrictions and plans for a Covid-19 vaccine
Conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn is pictured with his brother Jeremy, the former Labour leader
They have appeared at anti-lockdown marches and spoke on stage at one in Trafalgar Square in central London.
Piers told the Times when the Pfizer vaccine was rolled out: ‘This vaccine is experimental and the vaccine producers have no liability on sickness or death.
‘The whole thing is one of the main motives of the new world order [a conspiracy theory hypothesizing a secret totalitarian global government].’
Suspended nurse whose own son has distanced himself from here
Kate Shemirani
Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G.
She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people’s DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will ‘stand trial for genocide’.
Mother-of-four Kate Shemirani, a former nurse of 35 years, is adamant coronavirus is a hoax and claimed its symptoms are linked to the roll-out of 5G
She has argued the vaccine is a political tool to gain access to and change people’s DNA, has likened lockdown to the Holocaust and insisted dancing NHS nurses will ‘stand trial for genocide’
She is a headliner at anti-lockdown rallies, having joined conspiracy theorists David Icke and Piers Corbyn at a protest in August.
She directed yobs to confront riot police whom she branded ‘dirty dogs’ and mocked for wearing face masks at a rally in September.
Her son Sebastian, 21, said he is concerned about the impact his mother’s claims could have on public health and branded her ‘dangerous’ and an ‘attention-seeker’.