UConn doc charged with intentionally coughing on coworkers

FARMINGTON, Conn. — A University of Connecticut doctor has been accused of intentionally coughing on two other UConn Health workers and disregarding social distancing and other safety precautions aimed at preventing spread of the coronavirus.

UConn police issued a misdemeanor breach of peace summons on Thursday to Dr. Cory Edgar, school officials said.

Edgar is an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and a practicing physician at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. UConn Health’s website says he also is an orthopedic sports team physician for UConn, Connecticut College and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

An email seeking comment was sent to Edgar on Friday.

“Witnesses say he intentionally coughed on two other medical employees at the health center in close proximity, and that the witnesses and medical workers believed he was purposely disregarding space and safety concerns involving the Coronavirus pandemic,” UConn officials said in a statement. “We take all such allegations seriously and the matter is currently under review.”

School officials will be deciding whether discipline is warranted, UConn Health spokeswoman Jennifer Walker said.

Edgar previously worked at Boston University and was a team physician for BU athletics, according to his biography on the UConn Health website. The bio says he is “considered a rising star in the sports medicine community.”