Public health expert concerned protests could leave to spike in COVID-19 cases

A public health expert says he is concerned the crowded rallies calling for justice could lead to more COVID-19 cases.

IN-DEPTH: As protests continue, some worry COVID-19 could spike Our in-depth coverage of the protests in downtown Orlando.

“When it comes to COVID-19, no lives matter,” said Peter Pitts, president at the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. “Having a social conscious doesn’t necessarily mean throwing away social distancing and being smart relative to COVID 19.”

Pitts said he applauds those who are protesting, but he asks they wear a mask.

In many Central Florida, that has already been the case. However, many officers at the rallies attempting to keep the peace have not been wearing masks.

“If we are asking protesters to be cautious and take tests and be aware of the community to avoid reinfection that is equally important for police officers,” Pitts said. “They are there as well, the same rules apply.

As for why Orlando police officers aren’t wearing masks, the department said in a statement: “The responsibilities and duties of law enforcement create a unique challenge for our officers and may make it impractical at times to wear the provided personal protective equipment in situations that would normally warrant it."

In Tampa, five officers tested positive after responding to protests.

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