Society made a MAJOR statement protesting for racial equality amid a global pandemic.
Health officials fear a spike in COVID-19 as demonstrators continue to rally for racial equality. The public murder of George Floyd crushed the black community/those who support it and awakened people who were blind to an issue that has been going on for centuries.
The movement against police brutality reached all 50 states, as well as across the globe! However, as we push for an end to stop white supremacy, systemic racism, abuse of power, the killing of unarmed black men/women/children, plus hold police officers accountable, and more, we MUST protect ourselves from the deadly Coronavirus.
It’s a good thing the weather is getting warmer and the majority of the protests are outside because “larger air volume disperses the virus, and a larger space facilitates social distancing,” The Conversation reports.
Here’s a list of tips on how to demonstrate safely:
Plan to protest? Here are tips to reduce the risk of spreading #COVID19:
✔️Wear a face covering
✔️Wear eye protection to prevent injury
✔️Stay hydrated
✔️Use hand sanitizer
✔️Don't yell; use signs & noise makers instead
✔️Stick to a small group
✔️Keep 6 feet from other groups— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) May 30, 2020
Harm reduction for protests in a pandemic:
•wear your mask + eye protection + heat resistant gloves
•yelling can spread droplets, choose signs, drums, or similar noise makers
•stick with a buddy group to keep your unknown contacts low
•carry water + hand sanitizer + bandages— Dr Ellie Murray, ScD (@EpiEllie) May 30, 2020
For all the protestors, pepper spray is oil based. If you get sprayed DO NOT rub your eyes. Immediately blink as much as you can to wash out some of the oil with your own tears. Then, wash your eyes with baby shampoo and rinse copiously with water. Be safe.
— Dr. Glaucomflecken (@DGlaucomflecken) May 31, 2020
If you’re going to a protest, please look into protective ballistic eyewear. Good article on what to look for linked below. A set of glasses will set you back $25-30 after shipping. Please stay safe.https://t.co/w8Xoh9ppBq https://t.co/Zp732Fba42
— Matt (@BrendTheCow) May 31, 2020
Before you go to a protest and after, you can also take your temperature. Also, when you come home from protesting, you should wear a face mask (not the one you wore during the protest) for two-three weeks around your family. Keep in mind, some people can be symptom-free carriers of the novel virus, so get tested.