Coronavirus: Driver pulled over on M25 'repeatedly coughs' at police claiming he has Covid-19
A VAN driver pulled over by a Sussex police officer for ‘chatting away’ on his phone 'repeatedly' coughed at police officers claiming he had coronavirus.
PC Tom Van Der Wee shared details of the incident on the M25 this morning, and said the 26-year-old man called him a 'crown servant' and added police ‘should be out doing better things'.
The roads policing officer said the driver's actions, on the M25 in Surrey, did not stop them investigating.
The officer said: ‘Pulled over a driver who was chatting away on the phone.
File photo of police. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (310519-1)
'Despite him repeatedly “coughing” at us and claiming he had Covid19 it didn’t stop us finding out he also had no tax from 2018, no MOT and an illegal tyre.
‘His van was seized and a court date is on the way.’
He added: ‘Thankfully he was able to tell us we should be out doing better things, particularly as we’re crown servants and work for him.'
It comes as senior police warned about the lack of protective equipment to prevent infection while detaining people.
Coronavirus: the facts
What is coronavirus?
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What caused coronavirus?
The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.
How is it spread?
As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.
What precautions can be taken?
Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.
