COVID-19 Update: Weekend Protests May Increase Spread of COVID-19

As the United States winds down from three months of stay-at-home orders, and social distancing measures limiting group sizes are still in effect in many parts of the country, infection control experts are concerned that the weekend’s mass protests could cause a significant setback on controlling the spread of COVID-19, NBC-TV reports.

The coronavirus spread mainly though close contact, especially through large respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs — as well as shouting and yelling. Health experts are also concerned that protesters may be traveling to and from a various cities and states, potentially spreading the virus.

Infection control specialists advise people who were protesting in a crowd to get a COVID-19 test. They released tips for safe protesting, which may come in handy if other groups gather for rallies later this year for labor union issues and other matters. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends that protestors:

• Wear a face covering
• Wear eye protection to prevent injury
• Stay hydrated
• Use hand sanitizer
• Don’t yell, use signs and noise makers instead
• Stick to a small group
• Keep 6 feet from other groups.