We are seeing thousands of people showing up for rallies in
cities, towns and villages across the US, demanding justice for George Floyd
and others who have been mistreated because of race.
Now some participants are asking, "How do I know if, based on my participation in these rallies, I have been infected with corona virus? Or am I infecting others?"
Experts say it take several weeks before the full impact of
the protests on community transmission of Covid-19 is known.
Meanwhile, an article on NPR suggests six steps to consider.
1. After demonstrating, the first thing you should do once
you come home is take a shower and wash all your clothes.
2. Five to seven days after participating in your event, get
tested.
3. Maintain social distance from people in your home,
especially those in the high-risk categories. Do this for up to 2 weeks.
4. Wear masks, even indoors. The article suggests that people
can be most infectious right before and during the time they start showing
symptoms.
5. Hold off on hugs.
6. While on the streets stay safe.
We realize that those who are participating in protests want
to be seen and are demanding to be heard. But stories that have been written by
friends of Hudson Valley Parent, show that, for some, it can be devastating when
Covid-19 hits.
This is a time to make a difference, but make sure you keep safe
and be kind to others.