A Markham man has been charged after police say he intentionally coughed on money and told a convenience store clerk that he hoped he would get COVID-19.

It happened on Sunday, at a store located at 6605 Highway 7 East in Markham.

Police say the customer became agitated after he was asked by the store employee to adhere to social distancing measures.

“During the transaction, a 17-year-old store employee asked the man to step back from the counter to maintain physical distance. The store had taped off lines on the floor where they were requesting patrons stand during transactions, as per health recommendations,” York police said in a release.

“The man became upset with the request and intentionally coughed on money, which he threw onto the counter. He then told the employee he hoped he would get COVID and laughed while exiting the store.”

The money had to be separated and disinfected, police added.