Massachusetts police are trying to locate a man who told who maskless hikers he has the coronavirus and then spit on them several times.
According to CNN, the man told the hikers it was the “law” to wear masks. He called them selfish and “completely irresponsible” before spitting on them.
The incident took place at the Hudson Overlook on the Midstate Trail in Ashburnham, police said.
A video of the incident shows the man approaching two women. In the video, the man said, “You’re not wearing a mask?” One of the women interrupts him: “I don’t care. I’m not going to wear a mask when I’m outside.”
As the man begins to walk away, he pulls his mask down, and walks back toward the women. A woman with the man tries to grab his arm and stop him from approaching the hikers.
“I have COVID,” he said, before spitting twice at the women. “I have COVID. I’ve tested positive.”
CNN reports that the man could face a misdemeanor charge of assault and a charge of false threat of a biological agent.
In Massachusetts, face masks or cloth coverings are required in all public spaces—both indoors and outdoors. A revised Nov. 6 order from Gov. Charlie Baker said masks are required even when people are able to maintain 6-feet of social distancing.
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