Buzz
While protests are a crucial element of democratic societies—a clever strategy, if you will, to ensure voices are heard outside of election cycles—any sizable gathering poses a potential risk of COVID-19 spread. However, there are strategies to mitigate this risk, and many demonstrators have been planning with these precautions in mind.
For instance, numerous protesters have been donning masks and striving to maintain a six-foot distance whenever feasible. Images from protests frequently depict crowds of masked individuals. As an example, the Movement for Black Lives procured thousands of face masks printed with the phrase “stop killing black people” to distribute at rallies. (This initiative gained attention because federal authorities initially confiscated the shipments, only to release them later.)
In various cities, volunteers have also been distributing masks and hand sanitizers to fellow protesters, such as this physician and nurse at a White Coats for Black Lives event in Los Angeles, and these individuals at demonstrations in Washington, D.C.
Die-ins, which include nine minutes of silence, serve as a poignant reminder of the duration George Floyd was pinned under an officer’s knee. These events also temporarily halt the shouting and chanting that are known to disperse respiratory droplets. During sit-ins or die-ins, participants can also establish personal space without the risk of being pushed by the crowd.
At the same time, police actions have frequently undermined safety measures. Confining protesters into tight spaces prevents them from maintaining distance. Arresting and detaining them exacerbates the issue. Additionally, many officers are ignoring mask mandates, despite departmental directives. Given their authority in these situations and their frequent proximity to protesters, one would expect them to bear greater responsibility for ensuring the safety of the demonstrations.
I’m interested in hearing about what’s happening at protests in your area. What steps are organizers, individuals, and law enforcement taking to minimize the risks of large gatherings? Who is undermining these efforts, and how are they doing so?
