A Nigerian patient who allegedly bit a nurse’s face while being treated and isolated due to COVID-19 may face criminal charges once he recovers from the virus.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at a hospital in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, according to Shanghaiist.

The alleged attacker, identified as 47-year-old Okonkwonwoye Chika Patrick, refused to take any more treatments and attempted to flee the hospital.

Patrick allegedly shoved the female nurse who tried to stop him from leaving the hospital to the ground and beat her up. He also bit her face during the attack.

The man entered the country on March 20 and tested positive for COVID-19. He was then sent to the hospital for isolation and treatment on March 23, Global Times reported.

The video, which has now gone viral on Chinese social media, shows the crying nurse’s injured face close to her eyes. She also reportedly suffered minor injuries to her neck and waist.

It is unclear what kind of criminal charges the man may face. For now, he will remain in treatment under the supervision of the police and will only be pressed with charges once he recovers, officials said.

Feature Image Screenshot via Weibo