During the plague in the 17th century, doctors would wear a duck-like outfit when they tended to patients because they believed the masks could purify poisonous air.
Last week, UK police in a Norwich suburb was actively searching for a modern plague doctor.. someone who was dressing up in what was being called a “terrifying” outfit and walking the streets..
A UK publication Eastern Daily Press wrote this on April 29:
Officers want to provide “words of advice” to the individual, who has been seen in the Hellesdon area during the coronavirus lockdown dressed in a black coat, hat and pointed beak-like mask.
The sighting has prompted both alarm and amusement on social media.
It is thought the person has been dressing this way for about two weeks for their daily walk, with a photograph posted on the Hellesdon Life and Events group on Facebook.
One person wrote: “Scared the life out of my missus. Terrifying for kids.”
But thankfully for frightened locals, the case was cracked!
Police announced that the teenager responsible for the frightening look was caught.. and since no crime was committed given a stern warning?
Norfolk Police confirmed they had now caught up with the individual and given “words of advice”.
A police spokesman said: “Officers from the local neighbourhood team have identified the individual as a boy in his late teens.
“The individual has been spoken to about the consequences his actions may have on some people in the local community and was given words of advice as a result.”
BUT JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT IS SAFE!
A brand new plague doctor is striking in England!
There is another person dressing up.. this time in a place called Crouch End.
Nearby resident Chloe McLaren said the prankster was casually “walking along, tipping his hat to people”.
She said: “My girlfriend bumped into him. He was just stood by the melons at the newsagent’s. It was a little bit of a shock.”
In recent weeks the plague doctor – based on the character of a physician who treats victims of the plague – has been sighted in various Crouch End streets and shops including the Broadway Co-op.
The most recent spotting of the Crouch End plague doctor occurred just days ago..
Could be another teen making headlines..
Or a time traveler!?
Nah..
Either way I can tell what Halloween costume will be the most popular in 2020..
IF HALLOWEEN HAPPENS…
