People who threaten to cough on officers could face charges, RCMP warn
CBC News | Posted: March 31, 2020 7:02 PM | Last Updated: March 31, 2020
Police say there's been several incidents in Nova Scotia, although no charges yet
The RCMP in Nova Scotia are warning assault-related charges could be laid against anyone who threatens to cough on their officers.
Over the past several days, police said there have been a handful of incidents in different parts of the province involving people who threatened to cough on police officers and claimed to have COVID-19.
A spokesperson for the RCMP said no charges have been laid so far, but officers could so in the future on a case-by-case basis.
"A threat to transmit the COVID-19 virus is a threat to the wellbeing and health of our members, which is a criminal offence," said Cpl. Jennifer Clarke. "To actually carry out these threats would be an assault on a peace officer."
In New Brunswick, two men are facing assault charges after they allegedly coughed on a housemate who confronted them about not properly self-isolating.
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