Death Incident Occurs Amid Mask Usage Conflict in the US

First COVID-19 Mask Dispute Death in the U.S. as Customers Clash at New York Bar

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] In the United States, where controversies over mask usage to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continue, a death has occurred due to a dispute over mask usage.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to The New York Times (NYT), on the 5th (local time), a 65-year-old man was arrested as the perpetrator in an incident where an 80-year-old man died after a scuffle over mask usage at a bar in Buffalo, northern New York State.

According to the Erie County prosecutor, the two had an argument on the 26th of last month because the perpetrator was not wearing a mask. During the process, the perpetrator pushed the victim, causing him to fall and hit his head on the floor, losing consciousness and dying five days later. The perpetrator is expected to be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

The NYT reported that this is the first time in New York State that a conflict over mask usage has escalated to death, but the prosecutor stated it is the first case in the United States.

The prosecutor emphasized, "You do not need to wear a mask while seated at a restaurant table, but you must wear a mask when getting up, such as to go to the restroom."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.