Healthy + Well writer: Shruti Sathish
Photo via Unplash
After the recent death of George Floyd, thousands of Americans across the country have taken part in protests over racism and police brutality. While many agree that protests are an excellent way to support the cause, some are fearful of the health implications of large gatherings during this time, as the country is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many public health experts anticipate a spike in COVID-19 infections in the upcoming days and weeks, but there are also many individuals who believe that it is equally important to fight for justice and take action against racism. As Shira Safir, an associate professor of epidemiology at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health said, “...I think we are currently facing two public health crises. The first is COVID. And the second is racism and police violence that we’ve been facing for centuries.”
Below are some recommendations for COVID-19 precautions/safety measures you can take if you choose to attend a protest in the upcoming days. In addition, if you feel unsafe attending a protest during this time, I highly encourage you to do what you can from home! There are plenty of virtual resources at this link that will help you learn more about the protests and get educated on the very important topics of racism and police violence. There are also several petitions and donation opportunities listed on the website that you can take part in if interested.
Attending a Protest:
Social distancing is challenging during a protest; large crowds, shouting/chanting, holding cells, and tear gas all increase the risk of the virus spreading from person-to-person. Thinking about precautions you can take to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting the infection is important.
Here are some suggestions for what to do during the protest:
-Wear a mask
-Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently
-Surround yourself with the same group of people
Here are some suggestions for what to do after you get home:
-Wash your hands
-Disinfect belongings such as your phone, bags, clothing, etc.
-Wash or throw out your mask
-Take a shower
-Self-quarantine and get tested if possible