How to keep yourself and others safe while protesting
Being an active citizen doesn’t stop during COVID. Protesting on the streets is one way to show solidarity and can be done safely. For example, Black Lives Matter protests have not been shown to contribute to any COVID-19 spikes. To maintain the safety of public gatherings outdoors during COVID-19, continue to take precautions such as wearing masks and distancing. We know that COVID-19 can stay in the air for a long time. It can float into your nose or mouth, even if you’re not near someone who is sick. In this guide, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about how to stay safe from infection during and after a protest.
FAQ
Disinfecting surfaces won’t stop people from catching COVID-19; wearing Masks, keeping clean Air moving, and maintaining physical Distance will. But if you work with high-touch surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches, desks, keyboards, phones, faucets, sinks) or particularly vulnerable populations (e.g. nursing homes), you may want to clean surfaces more regularly and intensively. Here are three rules of thumb:
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Don’t mix cleaning products
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Some products react with each other and create poisonous gases. Pick one cleaner and use it!
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Follow the directions provided with the product
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Products need to sit on a surface for a certain amount of time and at a specific concentration. If they are wiped off too soon or not applied at the right concentration, they just won’t work
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Ventilate the room in which you are cleaning
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Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan. Don’t breathe in the fumes.
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Q: What kind of mask should I wear to a protest?
Wear at minimum a 3-ply surgical mask. If you do not have one, wear a cloth mask and be on the lookout for any organizations handing out surgical masks to protesters. For more information on choosing the right mask, check out our How To Mask Guide.
Q: How do I choose the right type of mask knowing that there is a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers (HCWs) and other essential workers?
Black doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are in extraordinary need of priority access to PPE to combat the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Black community. Many of these people work in safety-net hospitals, which continue to have shortages of PPE supplies while they care for underserved communities. In addition to protesting, take into account the needs of other essential workers as well, many of whom have balanced demanding and risky jobs with advocacy for COVID-safety measures for themselves and their patients. Acquiring and distributing PPE such as surgical masks, goggles, and medical-grade equipment (e.g., N95s, KN95s) to HCWs and other essential workers is a priority so that these folks will be adequately protected when caring for our communities.
Q: How can I best protect myself against tear gas, pepper spray, or other aerosolized eye irritants?
Wear goggles if you have them or can acquire them. Goggles with silicone siding are best, but regular goggles work well too—simply tape off the vent and any gaps on the sides. It’s best to have goggles that cover the eyebrows as well. A face shield can also offer some protection but will form less of a seal around your eyes, so goggles are preferred.
Q: How do I wear my mask?
Hold the mask to your face and secure the ear loops. For surgical or KN95 masks, mold the stiff top edge around your nose bridge to close any gaps so that the mask edge lays flat on your cheeks. Stretch the bottom edge over your chin. Click here to see surgeon Dr. George Yang’s video on how to stop your glasses from fogging: (Surgeon’s Tips: Stop Fogging & Improve Seal on Medical Face Masks #ORTips)
Q: What if I have to eat or drink while I have my mask on?
When removing your mask to eat or drink—if possible, move 6 feet (2 meters) away from others. Remove your mask completely. Hold it by the ear loop with one hand or fold it in half (so the inside surfaces touch) and store in a paper bag. Sanitize your hands, eat or drink quickly, sanitize again, and replace your mask. Lowering or raising your mask to eat or drink risks contaminating the inside of the mask with virus particles on your skin.
Q: Can I remove my mask while I’m talking?
DO NOT remove your mask to talk. Protecting others from your respiratory droplets while talking is one of the major ways masks prevent transmission. We promise that your friends can hear you!
Q: How do I make my surgical mask fit better?
There are lots of ways to improve the fit of your mask, which will improve how effectively it protects you from COVID-19. Here are some methods that may work. Tape —you can buy surgical tape at any pharmacy. Place it where the mask meets the bridge of your nose to close any gaps.
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Knots —Tie a knot on the ear loop as close to the mask edge as possible. This turns it into more of a duckbill-styled mask. Tuck in the edges and you are good to go!
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Watch this video by Dr. Rabeeh on how to do it
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Click here for a visual guide by Nikki Sylienteng.
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Fix the Mask — You can use 3 rubber bands and some safety pins to make yourself a DIY mask brace as seen in this video.
Q: What should I do if I am tear-gassed or pepper-sprayed?
There are many good resources on effective solutions that can be used to wash out your eyes. Clean water or an antacid solution are both good options.
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Detailed information on how to respond to tear gas or pepper spray from @danielleguldin is available here.
Q: Should I get tested for COVID-19 after attending a protest?
If you have access to testing facilities, consider getting tested between 5-10 days after attending a protest. Large gatherings can become superspreader events, so getting tested can give you peace of mind and ensure that if you are infected, you are able to self-isolate.