Canadian man lied about having coronavirus to create ‘viral video’ which forced plane to turn back

A WestJet plane bound for Jamaica had to turn back to Canada after a man claimed he has coronavirus. He later told media that he made the fake announcement as part of a video prank. — AFP

A 28-year-old Canadian man has been charged with mischief after declaring that he has coronovirus on a WestJet plane bound for Jamaica, according to a statement issued by police.

The Peel Regional Police Airport Division Criminal Investigation Bureau stated that while on the flight, the man identified as James Potok stood up and announced that he had been to China where he contracted the illness.