Man spotted on Manchester bus wearing snake as 'face mask'

A man has been spotted with a snake appearing to use a snake as a face mask while travelling on a bus.

The commuter was "wearing" the snake around his neck and mouth on a bus travelling from Swinton to Manchester on Monday.

A passenger, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she thought the man was wearing a “funky mask” at first before she caught sight of the reptile slithering over the hand rails.

She said she found the incident “really funny” and that none of the other passengers appeared to be bothered by the snake, adding: “No-one batted a eyelid.”

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

Using a face covering on public transport has been compulsory since June 15, except for people who are exempt for reasons of age, health or disability.

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.”

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