Nationwide protests cause coronavirus concerns

Health experts are worried that mass protests against police brutality could cause a second wave of coronavirus outbreaks.

Demonstrators organized two peaceful protests in Jacksonville over the weekend. Action News Jax saw a majority of people at these protests wearing face masks.

Morgan Sumner said she helped organize the protest on Sunday, and asked everyone to wear a face mask and follow CDC guidelines.

“I think it’s a risk if you don’t wear a mask and not hygienic,” Sumner said. “But if you do follow the CDC guidelines, you don’t cough on anyone, you don’t, you touch tough anyone, don’t hug anyone, then I think it’s safe.”

The protests are taking place in the open air, which could reduce risk of transmission. However, health experts are concerned about close proximity and shouting that can create more respiratory droplets, which could infect more people with the virus.

Action News Jax spoke to Dr. David Caro with UF Health. He said there is a risk of exposure in any crowd, whether it’s the beach, store, or protest.

“From a COVID-19 perspective, it’s still out there,” Dr. Caro said. “We still have to be concerned about it. Using a mask, good hand washing, and physical distancing as much as possible.”

He said wearing a face mask in a large crowd could not only protect you, but others around you.

“The reason we wear face masks is actually to protect other people, as weird as that sounds,” Dr. Caro said. “The face masks prevent droplets spread. If I’m talking to you and I spray out viral droplets and particles, the hope is my mask will catch it.”

Despite health concerns, some demonstrators said they are willing to risk it to stand up for a cause they believe in, equality for all.

“The pandemic is kind of a hard line to cross but everyone needs their freedom and I believe it’s necessary to stand up, especially now,” Sumner said.

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