TOLEDO, Ohio — As unrest and protests take place nationwide, health experts are reminding us there's still a pandemic going on.
While cases are leveling off in Ohio, experts say there are ways to remain safe while demanding change.
"So we know the protests are a social issue and people have the right to protest, and as a society, we've accepted that as part of our human rights," ProMedica Dr. Brian Kaminski said. "But it also happens to be occurring in the setting of a pandemic."
The coronavirus is still a very real threat, Kaminski said. Cases are still rising by the hundreds in Ohio, but experts are encouraged by the overall steady decline.
However, Kaminski said we aren't out of the woods yet and more person-to-person contact almost definitely means more cases.
"We see people out there wearing masks and maintaining appropriate distance," he said. "But then almost in the same shot, you see people who are not doing that, who are close together, not wearing masks.
"When I see any individuals together, regardless of their race or color or any type of minority status, just the act of people getting together is what the concern is."
So what can you do to stay safe while protesting? The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department gave us these tips.
- Wear a face covering
- Wear eye protection to prevent injury
- Stay hydrated
- Use hand sanitizer (if hand washing isn’t an option)
- Don't yell because yelling can spread droplets (use signs, drums & noisemakers instead)
- Stick to a small group (10 or less)
- Ensure appropriate social distancing and keep six feet from other groups
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