When I first watched the footage of the tragic death of Marcus Lee in the streets of Springfield, I was taken aback. Anger surged within me, accompanied by that familiar feeling of despair that washes over me each time an unarmed individual from a marginalized community falls victim to police brutality. It’s only natural that people took to the streets, igniting protests that are long overdue. It appears that change is finally on the horizon, and it’s about time.
As vital as these demonstrations are — dominating my social media feeds and saturating discussions with friends and family — I can’t help but ponder the impact of COVID-19 amidst this fervor.
We are now halfway through 2020, and each month has brought its own set of challenges and surprises. Yet, the stark truth remains: COVID-19 remains indifferent to the injustices we are fighting against. While some regions, such as New York, have seen declines in cases, others — including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas — are experiencing a resurgence like never before.
This virus is still present, infecting thousands daily. As of now, over 400,000 lives have been lost globally, based on data from Johns Hopkins University. The United States alone accounts for more than a quarter of these deaths, with over 109,000 fatalities. Globally, the number of infections surpassed 6.9 million since the outbreak began in Hubei, China, late last year, with projections indicating that it may exceed 7 million soon. In my home state of Oregon, the infection rate has reached alarming levels, with The Oregonian reporting 620 confirmed or presumed cases just last week.
What’s particularly concerning is that the recent spike in cases does not account for infections linked to the ongoing protests. Given the virus’s incubation period of up to two weeks, it is still too early to assess the long-term impact of these mass gatherings on the spread of COVID-19.
However, it is reasonable to expect an increase in infections. I wholeheartedly support the protests occurring across the nation; they are vital for sparking crucial discussions on race and authority that have been needed for far too long. It’s encouraging to see many demonstrators wearing masks, but not all are taking precautions, and crowded gatherings of individuals shouting for justice create an ideal environment for further transmission of the virus.
Dr. Robert Green, a prominent public health expert, expressed concern about the protests, stating that they could lead to a significant rise in virus spread. “These crowds are a perfect setup for the virus to continue spreading,” he said in a recent interview.
Surprisingly, the World Health Organization has acknowledged the importance of public protests even during a pandemic. Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “WHO fully supports the movement against racism and rejects discrimination of all kinds.”
Meanwhile, many states are beginning to ease restrictions as they attempt to revive their economies. My rural county in Oregon has just entered phase two, and cities like Las Vegas have reopened their casinos, where mask-wearing is optional for patrons, leading to some noncompliance.
We find ourselves navigating a complex landscape where necessary activism coincides with a pandemic, compounded by states’ efforts to rejuvenate their economies. The consequences of this duality remain to be seen, and I can’t help but wonder what July might hold — perhaps even an alien invasion.
In all seriousness, we must recognize that COVID-19 remains a significant threat, lurking in the streets alongside the protesters. An uptick in infections is likely, but hopefully, these events will also catalyze necessary social change. For more insights on this subject, check out our other blog post at this link, and for authoritative information, visit this page and NHS.
Summary
The ongoing protests against racial injustice are crucial and necessary, but they also occur during a pandemic that is still very much a threat. While the demonstrations are vital for change, they also present risks for the spread of COVID-19, as evidenced by rising infection rates in various states. As we navigate this complex situation, it’s essential to address both social justice and public health concerns simultaneously.