Authorities across Quebec are taking public health seriously. Quebec City police (SPVQ) have confirmed to MTL Blog that they have arrested a man seen in a video coughing directly onto a card machine at a local restaurant drive-through. The video went viral on the Facebook page Spotted: Repentigny.

The "SPVQ has arrested a 20-year-old man at noon today on charges of public nuisance and mischief, as he allegedly voluntarily coughed on a point-of-sale (POS) terminal in a business in Quebec City," a statement reads.

"A video published on social media on April 3, 2020 was transmitted to the police authorities and the investigation to locate the perpetrator of this act then started."

"The suspect was identified and met by General Crimes Unit investigators of the SPVQ and released on a promise to appear with several conditions."

Officials will now decide whether to press forward with charges.

"The SPVQ reminds the population that in this context of health emergency, we take very seriously all situations that may put the health of the population at risk and bring to justice those who will commit criminal offences."

See the video below.

The post, which encourages viewers to "share in large numbers," has garnered over 24,000 shares and 2,500 comments, most of which condemn that man's actions.

This isn't the first time police in Canada have carried out an arrest because of a cough.

Narcity reported in late March that the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force in New Brunswick had apprehended a man for coughing on another person.

In Quebec, police have been cracking down on individuals who jeopardize public health and disobey social distancing rules.

Authorities in Gatineau were apparently the first to issue a $1,000 fine to a resident for hosting friends in his own home, violating a complete ban on gatherings.

Stay tuned for more news.