Man spits at NI bus driver and says he has COVID-19

The attack occurred on Ormeau Road, Belfast on Saturday night.

"We can confirm that a bus driver was subject to anti-social abuse from a passenger," said a Translink spokesperson.

"The PSNI were called.

"We condemn this incident and all anti-social behaviour in the strongest possible terms."

The spokesperson added: “These are very challenging times; our staff are working extremely hard to ensure we continue to deliver vital public transport services for key workers and those needing access to key services such as healthcare and food supplies.

“While this would not be acceptable behaviour at any time, the current COVID-19 outbreak means that there is a greater need than ever before to prevent this type of behaviour, which could pose a major health risk."

The driver, who did not want to be named, spoke about the attack on The Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster on Monday.

"I was on the last bus out of the city centre and a passenger got on.

"There was only one passenger on the bus, as he was getting off he spat and coughed in my direction shouting 'virus, I have the virus and now you have the virus, you better wear a mask'," said the driver.

"We have a glass screen but there is air vents in it and some of his saliva and spit came through.

"It went onto my arm.

"We wear short-sleeved shirts, so it came on to my arm," he added.

Twenty-two people have died in Northern Ireland after testing positive for COVID-19.