Page 109 - COVID-19 and the Church_eBOOK

coronavirus exists at many protest rallies. Images of large
numbers of people standing next to one another, with
only some of them wearing masks, is cause for concern,
particularly in cities showing higher infection rates.
Public outrage and the coronavirus are two (2)
major forces. Health experts are concerned that these
two major forces may be on a deadly collision course.
Charles Branas, chair of the epidemiology department at
Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health
says, “We’re really dealing with a syndemic right now,
or the compounding effect of multiple, distinct health
catastrophes.”
Branas goes on to say,“The epidemic of racial
injustice has come to a boil alongside an epidemic of the
COVID, and they’re acting together to really maximize
the problem in the US.”
Ghebreyesus of WHO, encouraged protesters to
listen to and follow the guidance of local health officials.
And, to take precautions to protect themselves from the
novel coronavirus.
Ghebreyesus went on to say, “We encourage all
those protesting around the world to do so safely.” He
continued, “Clean your hands, cover your cough and
wear a mask if you attend a protest.” Ghebreyesus also
advised protesters to social-distance themselves. He also
advised people to stay home if they are sick.
At a WHO press conference, Michael Ryan, director
of WHO’s health emergencies program said, “The riskiest
situation to be in, is to be in close proximity to a case,
particularly a symptomatic case, of the COVID.” Ryan
said, “Healthy people protesting next to one another
may not meet the definition of coming in contact with
the disease.