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Friday, Jun 19, 2020

Did public health officials tell Black Lives Matter protesters not to worry about masks or social distancing?

Miriam Himelstein, Gigafact Foundry
no

As protests following the killing of George Floyd spread in early June, some public health officials expressed worries about the impact of the gathering crowds on the spread of the coronavirus. An open letter signed by more than 1,000 public health, medical professionals and "community stakeholders," sought to reconcile the protestors' commitment to express their views with the health risks of joining large public gatherings.

The letter, noting the relatively greater impact of COVID-19 on Black populations, said racial disparities are a "lethal public health issue" that predates the disease. Protests "must be supported," it said. The writers outlined ways organizers, protestors and law enforcement could each help lower the risk. They did not argue the risks were minimal or in any way should be ignored.

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