Anyone claiming to have coronavirus who deliberately coughs at emergency workers faces being jailed for two years, Britain’s Director of Public Prosecutions claimed today.

This came as there had been reports in recent days of people coughing in the faces of police, other emergency workers and shop staff. Those responsible could face charges of common assault.

“Emergency workers are more essential than ever as society comes together to tackle the coronavirus pandemic,” Britain’s Director of Public Prosecutions said in a statement.