Guernsey Press

Man ‘uses snake as a face mask’ on bus

Authorities suggested a snake was not a valid face covering after the man was seen with a reptile on a bus in Manchester.

Published
Last updated

Authorities have confirmed a snake is not a valid face covering after a man was spotted with one wrapped around his head on a bus.

The commuter and his reptilian mask, which was wrapped around his neck and mouth, were seen on a bus from Swinton to Manchester on Monday.

A man 'wearing a snake as a mask'
One passenger said she initially thought the man was wearing a ‘funky mask’ P(A)

She said she found the incident “really funny” and that the animal did not seem to be bothering any of her fellow passengers, telling PA: “No-one batted a eyelid.”

Pictures showed the man was not wearing a mask under the snake.

A man with a snake on a bus
Transport for Greater Manchester said they did not believe a snake counted as a valid face covering (PA)

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “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.

“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.”

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.