Coronavirus: Man pictured wearing a snake as a ‘face mask’ on a bus
Fellow passenger says she first thought reptile was ‘funky mask’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A commuter has been spotted using a snake as a face mask on a Manchester bus.
The man boarded the Swinton bus at Salford on Monday with the reptile wrapped around his neck and mouth, in what appeared to be a satirising of coronavirus restrictions.
One passenger said she initially thought the man was wearing a “funky mask” before she spotted it slithering over the hand rails.
She said she found the incident “really funny” and that the animal did not seem to be bothering any of her fellow passengers, saying: “No-one batted an eyelid”.
Pictures showed the man was not wearing a mask under the snake.
Authorities said they did not consider snakes to be a valid face covering.
“Government guidance clearly states that this needn't be a surgical mask, and that passengers can make their own or wear something suitable, such as a scarf or bandana,” said a Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson.
"While there is a small degree of interpretation that can be applied to this, we do not believe it extends to the use of snakeskin - especially when still attached to the snake."
Using a face covering on public transport is mandatory, except for those who are exempt for reasons of age, health or disability.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments