The murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others, has once again brought the issue of racial injustice to the forefront of our nation, our city and our campus. There have been calls from our community for systematic change, and many have taken to the streets in protest. Such protests are not only part of our first amendment rights, but also an opportunity, in this moment, to speak in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and with those in our own community who have been directly affected by racism.

We are also in the midst of a viral pandemic that is driven by social gatherings, transmitted through close contact, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality among those affected by the disease. Many of the policies developed throughout our institutions and in Georgia have focused on avoiding large group activities and unnecessary community exposures and using physical distancing to prevent infections.

We have made tremendous progress in limiting the spread of COVID-19, and with support of Public Health experts we have started to see portions of our local community begin to reopen. However, most people remain at risk for infection, and there are concerns for increases in transmission as policies around physical distancing change.

We want everyone who participates in protests to recognize that by coming together there is a potential risk of acquiring COVID-19. Individuals must make the personal decision to participate in such activities considering risks to themselves and their close contacts if they were to develop COVID-19. We recognize and understand, however, that an individual’s desire to pursue social change, justice and equity may be balanced with their concerns about COVID-19. We support those who choose to protest while making the effort to keep our communities protected from COVID-19.

Emory has developed the following guidelines modeled on those created by Public Health to help people limit exposures and protect themselves and our community from COVID-19 while taking part in local protests. These guidelines are not intended to discourage anyone from participating in the protests but are instead to guide participation in a safe manner to the extent possible.

Recommendations

If you are symptomatic or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19

Do not participate in community protests if you feel ill, have active respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever (or other symptoms of COVID-19), or have recently been exposed to a close contact with documented COVID-19.

If you are asymptomatic and plan on joining the protest

• Wear a mask or facial covering that fully covers your nose and mouth.
• Strongly consider wearing or having ready access to goggles or eye protection for added protection (avoid wearing contacts).
• Bring hand sanitizer and use frequently.
• Avoid sharing drinks, carrying other’s signs or touching objects that others have touched.
• Attempt to limit your group size and maintain 6 feet of physical distance whenever possible during the activity.
• Try to avoid crowded activities that involve shouting or singing in close proximity to others and avoid those who are not wearing masks or face coverings if possible. Bring your own water, food or other personal items.

After participating in local protests

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days after this activity. If you develop even mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19, do not go to work, self-isolate and call your doctor to get tested for COVID-19.

If others who participated in the protests, such as household members, close contacts or those who you had close contact with for more than 15 minutes in an enclosed space (i.e., a car) are diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you receive a call from Public Health about a possible exposure, follow recommendations for self-isolation and call your doctor to get tested for COVID-19.