How to Evaluate Coronavirus Risks from Black Lives Matter Protests; It is not easy to separate that danger from the risks of reopening businesses

Scientific American ^ | Tanya Lewis

[SeekAndFind]

After months of being cooped up at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus, people have taken to the streets by the thousands over the past few weeks to protest against police killings of Black people and decades of systemic racism. The gatherings have some people worried about a spike in coronavirus infections—but they have also been defended by some public health experts, who argue that racial injustice is itself a major public health threat.

The risk of transmitting coronavirus is likely lower outdoors, and many of the protesters have been wearing masks. But some experts note there is still risk—especially given the close interactions between police and protesters, the use of chemicals such as tear gas and pepper spray that irritate the mucous membranes (causing tearing, runny noses and coughing), and the corralling of arrested protesters in crowded vans and jail cells.

There is not much evidence that the protests have caused spikes in coronavirus infections so far. And any increase in cases from the protests would be hard to separate from the fact that states are reopening in general, according to Caroline Buckee, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Scientific American spoke with Buckee about the risks posed by protesting, the difficulty of tracing infections back to the protests, and how to stay safe while exercising one’s democratic rights.

Is it possible to tell whether a spike in infections was due to the protests, or the relaxation of other restrictions?

The protests have occurred against the backdrop of [states] reopening. In some states, we're already almost back to kind of usual levels of mobility. And of course we had the Memorial Day weekend, which we know brought a lot of people out and mixing in ways that would enhance transmission.

[Engedi]

Oh wow. Like protesters who get COVID are going to admit they were part of BLM.

Also, remember how you had to maintain 6 ft apart outside? NY put circles in the park for spacing. Remember how no outside church services, no in car church services, no funerals outside, graduations outside and other events outside were forbidden?

But thousands of people marching with their COVID masks on not a big deal and not a concern to even link the rise in cases to the protests.

So much for 6ft social distancing requirement outside.

[Grampa Dave]

This reality posted by Code Toad!

[thirst4truth]

I do think that, in terms of the risks people are taking, the right to protest is an important function. And just as we prioritize essential workers, we should prioritize essential functions [of] democracy.

So important to protest, but no church, no work, no saving your business, it infuriates me. More so when it comes to the teachers, they are essential and getting paid, get to work!!