Protests can cause catastrophic setback for controlling COVID19

[zak247]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news and I hope and pray this isn't going to happen but health officials are warning against these protests

It's being overdone IMO.

And the words of the experts seem to back that up.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/protests-could-accelerate-spread-coronavirus-public-health-experts-say-n1220551

Within the last few days, careful social distancing has been overturned by demonstrations against social injustice — as thousands of Americans congregate in cities across the country protesting the death of George Floyd.

The large gatherings, infectious disease experts said, could cause a catastrophic setback for controlling COVID-19 in the U.S. as cities and states try to reopen.

I know its a great cause but there should be some consciousness about this for activists.

Eric Garner's daughter( whose father Earl Garner was murdered in NYC ) even said on the radio today that she wouldn't go to one under the circumstances of COVID SPREAD.

She advised people to go home, vote, join an activist cause( I'm in MOveon.org), and if you do go wear a mask.

Its unfortunate in NYC hundreds arrested are in danger. They take their masks and leave them in jeopardy for hours.


Wisdom must prevail here not emotionalism IMO.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Hey, to give credit, from the snapshots I've seen of the protesters, I've seen them wear the masks

...all of them, and not just a few people. I've been very impressed (compared to the stay at home protesters that rump sent out, few wore masks...compare snapshots of both protests and you'll see what I mean).

So I am hoping that to the contrary, that all are safe and sound. We'll find out. Most of the protesters I've seen are relatively young (compared to me) so I'm hoping that this gives them an edge (I'm hoping, but the experts do say that the young still have a chance of getting the CV). I'm also hoping that these protesters do think about their loved ones and/or friends when they go back home, like the mayor of NYC said, if you protest, pls. isolate one's self, just to be safe.

But still, I do worry. Be safe all.

[Tipperary]

7. Most are wearing cloth masks, which are not very effective, many pull them down around their chins.

Many pull them down to shout. Sadly, I think people believe masks are somehow magic. I wear my mask to go to the store, go in and out quickly while keeping a safe distance. Wearing a mask while in incredibly crowded conditions while those around you are shouting and screaming may help some, but those droplets are all over you in those conditions. No one can do any good for anyone from a hospital bed or a grave. It is very worrying.

[zak247]

2. Anybody can get it

The point is younger folks fare better than older folks with the disease

But young people do get severe complications just not as much as older folks.

The point is the protests IMO are going too far and should chill out for safety and political reasons.

They may be helping Trump.

What good are protests if they backfire and do more harm than good

Many people don't want to accept this but its REALITY

[LisaL]

8. Add to that, younger folks don't live in a vacuum.

They have older relatives, they go to places where older people congregate.

[stillcool]

3. I really don't know how to respond..

it's almost as though the thousands upon thousands of young people participating in these protests should stay home and join Move-on? Most were wearing masks, at least until they were gassed. There most certainly will be an up-tick in Covid...there already is, which has nothing to do with the protests. People do not care enough to wear a mask, or social distance in their every day lives, but young people, getting involved, trying to make a difference..for their futures should stay home, and get sick there.

[zak247]

4. this warning is from health experts

What good is a protest movement if its too long and dangerous to the health of a lot of good people and becomes counterproductive?

How long can they protest?

Every day forever?

And the fact is it's so many folks are out there because they are out of work over the shutdowns and otherwise might not even be there.

BTW this warning is from health experts, not me.

[LisaL]

9. Well, during a pandemic, people shouldn't be congregating in large numbers.

Homemade masks don't offer much protection against virus, unless nearly everybody is wearing them. And protesters are not all wearing masks, and a lot of them are wearing masks incorrectly.

[stillcool]

12. More masks being warn at protests..

than in red-neck states.

[CrispyQ]

5. Between re-opening for business, & Memorial Day kicking the summer off, & the protests,

I expect a huge second wave by July 4th. I anticipate sheltering-in-place through the end of the year, maybe longer.

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Here's what the "virus expert" on MSNBC said tonight, pros and cons and we won't know for 10-14 days

Will Nationwide Protests Cause Spikes In Coronavirus Cases? - The 11th Hour - MSNBC
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017586263

[Dirty Socialist]

10. Arrest All Protesters?

One right winger I know thinks protesters should be arrested for violating social distancing protocols

[Buckeye_Democrat]

11. I'm heeding the experts, but time will tell.

I finally bought the GOOD STUFF in terms of masks, better than the N100 rating. Masks that their manufacturers stopped selling to the general public, but I found some small businesses that still had a few. (Not the disposable kind that healthcare workers would more likely use, so that was my rationalization.)

Edit: I'll have to return to work eventually, and there's no telling what managerial tyrants might tell me to do. So I'm mostly prepping for that scenario.