Preacher and natural healer who claimed Covid-19 doesn't exist and slammed vaccines fights for life in hospital after falling victim to the Delta strain

A Muslim preacher and natural healer who bullishly claimed Covid-19 doesn't exist is now fighting for his life in hospital after contracting the Delta strain of the virus. 

In recent weeks, Sydney based Mohammed Shaar also preached to his followers that vaccine jabs were ineffective - despite just one of the 143 people in ICU with the virus having been double-jabbed.

Last week Mr Shaar closed his healing centre in Sydney's west after falling ill and was quick to tell his followers on social media he had the common cold - and not Covid-19.

But days later the Covid-sceptic was taken to hospital in an ambulance after displaying a number of worrying symptoms.  

Muslim preacher and natural healer Mohammed Shaar who declared Covid-19 doesn't exist is now fighting for his life in hospital after contracting the Delta strain of the virus

Before he was hospitalised, Mr Shaar also told his scores of followers that vaccination jabs were ineffective (pictured being taken to hospital this week)

Those close to Mr Shaar have confirmed he is currently 'in a bad way' and have asked for thoughts and prayers as he fights the virus. 

One of his followers even suggested he drink hot lemon water to 'speed up his recovery'.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon stressed medical expertise from qualified professionals should never be ignored.

'The science is very clear, Covid does exist. Unfortunately, we are seeing too many people get sick in society,' he said.

'Please listen to the medical profession, they are the ones who know the answer.'

The Australian Muslim Health Professionals Network also strongly encouraged scores of Covid-deniers to alter their misinformed views on the virus.

'On behalf of all Muslim health practitioners, please take Covid seriously,' Dr Ziad Basyouny said.

On Tuesday, NSW recorded 1,164 new cases of Covid-19. 

Three deaths were also recorded: a woman in her 50s and two men in their 80s and 90s in south-west Sydney and St Vincent's Hospital in the inner-city passed away after catching the virus.

Authorities said the Delta strain was still spreading fastest in the city's west and south-west - with Guildford, Merrylands, Auburn, Greenacre, Bankstown, Blacktown and the surrounding suburbs listed as the areas of most concern in NSW. 

Those close to preacher Mohammed Shaar have confirmed he is currently 'in a bad way' with the Delta strain of Covid-19 which has seen him hospitalised

COVID-19: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

What is Covid-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.

Covid-19 is a disease caused by a form of coronavirus. 

Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome  

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms of Covid-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. 

Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. 

People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as: 

- fever 

- coughing 

- sore throat 

- shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include runny nose, acute blocked nose , headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.

To stop the spread of Covid-19 people with even mild symptoms of respiratory infection should get tested.

Source: Department of Health