April Fool’s Day has rolled around once again and a few Australian companies still got in on the action despite the coronavirus crisis.
Many brands, including tech giant Google, cancelled the tradition this year over the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed about 40,000 people worldwide so far.
But some businesses couldn’t resist playing a few tricks on their customers, and while some jokes fell flat, others had punters in fits.
Daily Mail Australia has rounded up the best and worst pranks of April Fool’s Day 2020.
Sportsbet announced it would extend its betting range to include Classic Matches after almost all local and international sport brought to a standstill
Betting open to classic matches
On Wednesday morning, Sportsbet announced it would extend its betting range to include Classic Matches after almost all local and international sport brought to a standstill.
In a deal with partners Fox Sports, Kayo and Channel 7, the online bookmaker will offer odds on replays of past AFL and NRL matches to give customers some semblance of excitement during this tough time, the company claimed.
‘With the lack of live sport, networks have been great with their attitude to broadcasting memorable matches and we figured there was an opportunity to offer odds on these events,’ said Sportsbet’s Rich Hummerston.
‘Like many businesses we are trying to maintain an element of momentum and thinking laterally to find solutions.
‘Obviously, we will be asking customers to only wager on matches they do not already know the result of.’
It is unclear if any punters fell for the gag.
Shoe brand Volley Australia claimed it was launching a sneaker in collaboration with VB
The Ultimate shoey
Shoe brand Volley Australia claimed it was launching a sneaker in collaboration with VB.
‘The Ultimate Shoey does exist,’ the post read. However, once you click into the link, the truth is revealed.
‘If you made it this far and are still asking yourself where can you quench your thirst on one of the most Aussie collabs ever… we’re sorry to say but this is another one of those April Fool’s jokes. Sorry Australia.’
Shockjock Kyle Sandilands was almost tricked into thinking he had spilled a drink all over the radio equipment
In the footage which was shared on Instagram, Sanidlands walked into the studio to find a cup tipped over and brown liquid spilled out
Kyle is no fool
Radio host Kyle Sandilands was almost tricked into thinking he had spilled a drink all over the radio equipment.
In the footage which was shared on Instagram, Sandilands walked into the studio to find a cup tipped over and brown liquid spilled out.
The suspicious host appeared slightly panicked but when he got a closer look, he realised quickly it was all a prank.
Chapel Bar and Bistro (pictured), in Auckland, took to social media on Tuesday night to make the false announcement
‘Breaking News… Jacinda Ardern has granted Chapel Bar and Bistro a one-day exemption tomorrow to open its doors for 12 hours,’ they wrote
Open bar during lockdown
Chapel Bar and Bistro in Auckland,New Zealand, claimed they would be open and selling cheap alcohol despite a coronavirus lockdown.
‘Breaking news… Jacinda Ardern has granted Chapel Bar and Bistro a one-day exemption tomorrow to open its doors for 12 hours,’ it wrote on Facebook.
‘During this time we will be discounting all stock until the bar is dry. Free food will be available. I have organised entertainment for both females and males.’
New Zealand has declared a state of emergency and is in complete lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
People are only allowed to leave their house for exercise, work, or essential outings.
The move was slammed for the sick attempt at an April Fool’s joke.
Embattled airline Virgin Australia decided against a prank this year, instead announcing it would be donating all its toilet paper from grounded planes
Toilet paper for all
Embattled airline Virgin Australia decided against a prank this year, instead announcing it would be donating all its toilet paper from grounded planes.
The move comes as supermarket shelves across the country were left bare after panicked shoppers decided to stockpile toilet paper.
‘2020, you’ve fooled all of us, so this #AprilFoolsDay we’re turning our prank into a reality. We’re collecting all the unused from our grounded to donate to those in need. For every roll collected, Kleenex will match the donation, so we’ve got your back(side), the company tweeted.
‘And of course our crew sanitized their hands before collecting the toilet paper rolls.’