Calgary man charged after threatening Indigenous people with coronavirus infection

"This is a time when we should all be coming together to encourage one another and keep everyone safe," said Const. Craig Collins, hate crimes co-ordinator with the Calgary Police Service.

“It is unacceptable that some members of our community are weaponizing this pandemic to make others feel even more vulnerable than everyone already does. We won’t ignore it.”

“While making a threat towards a stranger may not seem like a big deal to some, it leaves victims shaken and worried that someone is actually out to get them,” Const. Collins said in the release. “When people are already dealing with the stress of COVID-19, adding more fears and stress can do very real damage to their mental and emotional health. It’s unacceptable.”

The post was reported by Facebook users, and has since been removed.

The post was also reported to police by local Indigenous elders, who brought it to Tsuut'ina Nation and Blood Tribe police, the National Post reports.

The man's name has not been released.