LIMERICK teenagers are deliberately coughing into people’s faces and spitting at them in an effort to intimidate and frighten them.
That’s according to Fianna Fáil city councillor Catherine Slattery who says that those responsible are taking part in what’s known as the ‘Corona Challenge’ which involves young people filming themselves coughing into people’s faces and then posting it on social media.
“This is very serious and people are desperately frightened of these thugs who are laughing and jeering about having Covid-19 while coughing directly into people’s faces – it’s outrageous,” Cllr Slattery told the Limerick Post.
“Councillors and TDs across the country are being contacted regarding this matter. I have been informed that there are grounds for this in the statue books.
“Under section six of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 it is an offence to spray, pour or put onto a person blood or any fluid or substance resembling blood, leading a person to believe that they have become infected with disease as a result. Section one of the act makes specific reference to contaminated fluid and section two covers the intentional or reckless application of force in liquid form,” she explained.
The City East representative believes it is now time for parents to “step up” and make their children aware of the consequences of their actions.
“In the middle of this pandemic it is crazy that we would even need to remind young people that by carrying out these awful acts they could actually be convicted of a very serious crime.”
Cllr Slattery also highlighted the need for parents to keep their children inside.
”A lot of teenagers are going around housing estates in large groups. I was contacted by a number of elderly people who said that they are frightened and anxious when they see these large groups congregating outside their properties; it just has to stop.
“People need to listen to the advice given to them by the HSE and the Government and together we just might tackle this virus successfully,” she concluded.
