Threatening note targets 'selfish joggers risking lives' during pandemic
Residents of a popular New York City neighbourhood have threatened to take action if joggers do not wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a threatening poster seen stuck to the side of a parking meter, locals have warned joggers not to be selfish.
“Selfish joggers who jog on this block without masks be warned - we value the lives of our elderly neighbours and will throw stuff on you from our windows!!!” it reads.
An image of the sign was posted to Twitter by Paul Schwartzman, a reporter for the Washington Post.
“The East Village isn’t playing,” he wrote alongside the image.
NYC is the epicentre of the deadly virus in the US with 18,925 deaths recorded so far.
Governor Andrew Cuomo reported 280 new deaths from COVID-19 in New York state in the last 24 hours, down from 299 the day before. More than 700 New Yorkers were dying daily at the peak of the outbreak last Month.
Mr Schwartzman’s online post, which has accumulated more than 24,000 likes, divided Twitter users.
“Joggers really are the worst at this. Universally,” one person wrote.
“Hope they’re throwing furniture and televisions…” another said.
One woman said she would like to see such posters in California.
Others, many who said they were joggers themselves, said they were offended by the threatening sign.
“That’s not ok. I’m asthmatic. I’ve been told by my internist and pulmonologist to take up running to help with mental health. Some asthmatics cannot wear masks during cardio. Masks inhibit airflow. If we do, we will have asthma attacks. Putting us in hospitals unnecessary,” one woman wrote.
A man said wearing a mask could depend on the situation.
“In a large urban area, a mask is probably necessary. Other places it may not be, but it helps to have one on you to put on in case you are at a chokepoint where you have to pass close to people,” he said.
New Yorkers slammed for 'appalling' act
Residents of America’s coronavirus epicentre have been slammed for blatantly violating COVID-19 social distancing rules after flocking to the city's beaches and parks to enjoy balmy weekend weather.
Those living in the Big Apple, which has been shut down since mid-March, are allowed outside to exercise providing they maintain two metres of distance and wear a mask when around others.
However, this weekend, the warmest weather yet this American spring caused picnickers and sunbathers to flock to green spaces in Manhattan, including crowded conditions at Christopher Street Pier in Greenwich Village, according to photos on social media.
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