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Alan Jones has once again accused the Australian Government of “extraordinary alarmist campaign over coronavirus” on the debut of his new Sky News show.

The controversial media personality has returned to broadcasting after retiring from radio a few weeks ago, with claims that Australia’s coronavirus response created “fear and hysteria”.

The 79-year-old said he was in the “cohort that was in danger” of COVID-19.

“People like me, because of my age and I’ve had everything wrong with me,” he said on Monday night.

“Now this cohort should have been looked after instead of frightening the tripe out of everyone and putting the economy into a coma, and this goes on today.”

Jones claimed the federal and state governments’ response to the pandemic has given “the impression … that if you test positive, you must immediately go to Bunnings, get a box of nails, some pine boards, build a coffin and jump into it”.

He said: “Since I was last on air and even before I went off air, we have endured this extraordinary alarmist campaign over coronavirus and it still persists.

“The economy has been crushed. What for?

“Chief medical officers whose names have never appeared on a ballot paper are running the country.

“[It was] time our leaders provided some real leadership instead of fear and hysteria.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday morning announced the Victorian border with New South Wales will be closed from Wednesday as the national coronavirus death toll reached 106.

As of Monday, there were 645 active cases in Victoria.

The following 12 postcodes are required to follow Stay at Home directions until July 29: 3031, 3051, 3012, 3021, 3032, 3038, 3042, 3046, 3047, 3055, 3060 and 3064.

“Victorians in these locked down suburbs are being urged to do their bit in the fight against coronavirus – stick to the rules and get to a testing station,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said in a statement.

“This virus is not selective, it will impact anyone it encounters, and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission. More than 300,000 people live across these suburbs. We need everyone to do their part and ensure it is stopped in its tracks.

“Don’t take this disease lightly. if you feel unwell with any symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you should stay home and get tested.”

This article originally appeared on Over60.