ABC star Dr Norman Swan makes a surprising new career move

After three years of talking about Covid almost non-stop on the ABC, Norman Swan is preparing for a surprising new career move.

Next May, Dr. Swan will lead a 19-day 'Legacies of Plagues' tour through Italy, France and England, where those willing to pay $16,492 for a shared room or $20,050 for a non-shared room will experience the 'Route of the Black Death ' will follow. Europe'.

The website for the venture, organized by Britain's Jon Baines Tours, reports that only two rooms remain for the tour, which starts in Venice and visits Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Florence, Marseille, Lyon and Paris before ending in London.

“The plague shaped our world,” the tour promotion reads.

'From ancient times to the Black Death and COVID-19, our medical, economic, culinary, social and art history has been irrevocably affected by the plague.

'As you travel through a series of beautiful European cities, each day's focus will be on an enduring legacy of the plague; from marmots to mustard, to perfumes and fun, about conspiracies and scapegoats, art, architecture and city planning.

“Tour leader, Dr. Norman Swan, will provide expert and insightful commentary along the way.”

Activities on the first day in Venice include travel to Isola del Lazzaretto Nuovo 'where lepers and visitors were isolated during plague outbreaks, an early example of quarantine'.

Then the group will visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, “dedicated to providing support to the victims of the plague and known for its beautiful paintings related to the plague.”

The 19-day tour will kick off in Venice in May next year and will visit other Italian and French cities before ending in London

Each day has a theme, with day 14 in Lyon entitled 'The Good Life – Food and Wine'.

“About 25% of the population died during the Black Death, leading to employment shortages and subsequent political reforms, along with wage increases that led to better nutrition for the majority of workers,” the itinerary said.

'This is a full day at leisure to enjoy the many delights in and around Lyon.'

For all activities, the site reports that Dr. Swan will be accompanied by an English, Italian and French speaking tour manager and his expertise will be complemented by a range of local guides, specialists and curators.

Dr. Swan was accused of 'scaremongering' last month after he said people should wear masks this Christmas to reduce the spread of Covid.

He also advised festive revelers to avoid “stuffy” indoor spaces by holding events outdoors.

'Stay outside, don't go indoors in stuffy environments, wear masks to protect yourself, and if you have symptoms such as a runny nose or cough, stay away from your family members,' Dr Swan told Channel 10's The Project .

Dr. Swan has advised people gathering for Christmas to mask up to stop the spread of Covid (security officers in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the pandemic originated)

'For those of you who haven't had a jab in 2023; Really, another shot? I mean, you haven't had a shot in a while (so) put on your big boy pants or your big girl pants and go out and get one.

“This is not a mild virus and the death rates are going up again.”

Sydney 2GB radio host Chris O'Keefe said Dr. Swan 'had to give it up' and gave advice more suited to the circumstances of 2020, when Covid cases peaked.

“Can we just drop this stuff off?” he told listeners Friday.

“It feels like we're back in 2020 when you hear Dr. Norman Swan, doesn't it? Listen, Doctor Swan, please give it away. Enough.

“Most of us have had Covid once, maybe twice, maybe two or three times. And you know what? We're all still here to tell the story.

“We know ourselves as individuals, and we will make the decision to get vaccinated depending on whether we think we are particularly vulnerable.”

O'Keefe said Dr Swan damaged his 'credibility' with his harsh Covid Christmas predictions.

“If you knew this wave was happening, it will go away by Christmas. But honestly, Norman, we get it,” he said.

'Can you please stop for a moment? Enough is enough.'

Dr. Swan, who presents a weekly Coronacast podcast on Covid matters, became one of the key commentators during the pandemic, with the national broadcaster using him as a regular analyst.

However, he is caught making blunders along the way.

He was forced to apologize after claiming last year that the death of Labor senator Kimberley Kitching from a suspected heart attack was likely linked to Covid-19.

The senator, who was 52 when she died, never contracted Covid, according to her furious family.

The ABC admitted that Dr.'s comments Swan were in breach of editorial standards and warned him during discussions with the broadcaster's management.

An ABC spokesperson said any outside work by a company employee requires approval from the appropriate manager.

Dr. Swan has been asked for comment.