‘Black Lives Matter’ Protests Haven’t Caused Coronavirus Cases To Surge
With the spread of COVID-19 still looming, the current crowding at Black Lives Matter protests has been a concern. But according to one study, the gatherings aren’t causing the virus to spread.
“The new research, which was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found no evidence that coronavirus cases jumped in 315 cities in the weeks following the first protests,” says the New York Post.
Researchers explain saying, “While it is almost certain that the protests caused a decrease in social distancing behavior among protest attendees, we demonstrate that effect of the protests on the social distancing behavior of the entire population residing in counties with large urban protests was positive.”
They add, “While it is possible that the protests caused an increase in the spread of COVID-19 among those who attended the protests, we demonstrate that the protests had little effect on the spread of COVID-19 for the entire population of the counties with protests during the more than three weeks following protest onset.”
The research doesn’t specify whether the large number of protestors wearing masks is what is attributing to the findings, but they add that the results could be due to a “net effect.” They also conclude that because many people are afraid of violence from police clashes or general unrest, they are choosing to stay home.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: A man holds candle as he sits in front of a police perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd in the morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd's death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareHOUSTON, TX - JUNE 02: Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo greets a man as before a march in honor of George Floyd on June 2, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Members of George Floyd's family participated in a march that went from Discovery Green to City Hall with support from the local chapter of Black Lives Matter. George Floyd, a former resident of Houston's Third Ward, died after being held down by Derek Chauvin, a former member of the Minneapolis Police Department who has since been fired and charged with third degree murder.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 02: District of Columbia National Guard vehicles are staged in front of the Ronald Reagan Building as the city braces for more demonstrations and protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. . Protests continue to be held in cities throughout the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: A hoarding in Wythenshawe has been daubed with the words, 'Please I can't breathe' reported to be the last words of George Floyd before he died whilst being detained by US police, on June 02, 2020 in Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareST PAUL, MINNESOTA - JUNE 01: Demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd in front of the governor's mansion on June 1, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protests continue in cities throughout the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. The four officers involved have been fired and Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned Floyd's neck to the ground, has been arrested and charged with 3rd degree murder.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 31: Demonstrators march on I-94 while participating in a protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd on May 31, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protests continue to be held in cities throughout the country over the death of Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 30: Demonstrators protest the killing of George Floyd outside of the city's 5th police precinct on May 30, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd's death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: Police hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd in the morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd's death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareBERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 31: People attend a protest rally against racism in front of the Brandenburg Gate following the recent death of George Floyd in the USA on May 31, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. The death of Floyd, an African-American man, at the hands of police in Minneapolis has struck a cord with many people of color who live in Germany. Demonstrators gathered in Kreuzberg district and in front of the American Embassy in Berlin yesterday and today.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 31: Demonstrators march on I-94 while participating in a protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd on May 31, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protests continue to be held in cities throughout the country over the death of Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 29: People walk past a burning storefront during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while he was in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd's death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MAY 29: U.S. Capitol Police look on as demonstrators hold a protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd near the US Capitol on May 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across country, protests against Floyd's death have set off days and nights of rage as the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MAY 29: Demonstrators attend a protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd outside the Hotel Washington on May 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across country, protests against Floyd's death have set off days and nights of rage as the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 29: Hundreds of protesters gather in Manhattan’s Foley Square to protest the recent death of George Floyd, an African American man who killed after a police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck in Minneapolis on May 29, 2020 in New York City. Across country protests against his death have set off days and nights of rage as its the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 29: A person wears a mask that reads "I CAN'T BREATHE" as demonstrators continue to protest the death of George Floyd following a night of rioting on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd's death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as Floyd pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police depart after a video of the arrest was circulated.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 31: A crowd marches to protest the death of George Floyd on the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River on May 31, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The protest was disrupted after a man drove a tanker truck into the crowd.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 01: Terrence Floyd (C) attends a vigil where his brother George Floyd was killed by police one week ago on June 1, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd called for peace and justice after his brother's death, thanking those who continue to protest and imploring people to cease the damage and destruction which has followed.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 01: A memorial site where George Floyd died May 25 while in police custody, on June 1, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. George's brother Terrence Floyd visited the site today and called for justice and the prosecution of all four officers involved in the incident.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareDENVER, CO - JUNE 01: Denver Police officer Nate Magee chants with protesters marching during the fifth consecutive day of demonstrations in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd on June 1, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Protests continue in cities across the country after Floyd, a black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 01: Demonstrators confront law enforcement during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter..
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 31: A man and child raise their fists in the air as they join a spontaneous Black Lives Matter march at Trafalgar Square to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and in support of the demonstrations in North America on May 31, 2020 in London, England. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis has sparked violent protests across the USA. A video of the incident, taken by a bystander and posted on social media, showed Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by police officer, Derek Chauvin, as he repeatedly said "I can’t breathe". Chauvin was fired along with three other officers and has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 31: People hold placards as they join a spontaneous Black Lives Matter march through central London to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and in support of the demonstrations in North America on May 31, 2020 in London, England. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis has sparked violent protests across the USA. A video of the incident, taken by a bystander and posted on social media, showed Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by police officer, Derek Chauvin, as he repeatedly said "I can’t breathe". Chauvin was fired along with three other officers and has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 30: Protesters gather in Harlem to protest the recent death of George Floyd on May 30, 2020 in New York City. Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck. Floyd was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Across the country, protests against Floyd's death have set off days and nights of rage as its the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 29: Demonstrators protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd on May 29, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Across country, protests against Floyd's death have set off days and nights of rage as the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 29: Protesters march by U.S. Bank Stadium in response to the police killing of George Floyd on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Demonstrations and protests have been ongoing since Floyd's death in police custody on Monday.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 01: People gather at site where George Floyd died May 25 while in police custody, on June 1, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. George's brother Terrence Floyd visited the site today and called for justice and the prosecution of all four officers involved in the incident. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Protesters gather at Lafayette Square Park outside the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: Protesters confront police outside the 3rd Police Precinct on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing 46-year-old George Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I can’t breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 28: A memorial lies outside the Cup Foods, where George Floyd was killed in police custody, on May 28, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rev. Al Sharpton was joined by Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, and spoke at the site of Floyd's death about the need to hold police officers accountable for their actions.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 28: A group of artists paint a mural of George Floyd on the wall outside of Cup Foods, where Floyd was killed in police custody, on May 28, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People have gathered at the site since Floyd was killed earlier this week.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 31: A woman watches as police assemble on I-35 after breaking up a march with demonstrators protesting against police brutality and the death of George Floyd on May 31, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests continue to be held in cities throughout the country over the death of Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 31: A couple embraces before being arrested during a protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on May 31, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests continue to be held in cities throughout the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who who died while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareDENVER, CO - JUNE 01: Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen embraces a woman during a march to protest the death of George Floyd on June 1, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Protests continue in cities across the country after Floyd, a black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareDENVER, CO - JUNE 01: Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen embraces a woman as he marches with thousands of protesters during the fifth consecutive day of demonstrations in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd on June 1, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Protests continue in cities across the country after Floyd, a black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareCOLUMBUS, OH - JUNE 1: Protesters perform a mass 'die-in' in front of the Ohio Statehouse at the exact time George Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis police custody, on June 1, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. Protesters gathered in downtown Columbus to protest the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and the citywide curfew.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareST PAUL, MINNESOTA - JUNE 01: Demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd in front of the governor's mansion on June 1, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protests continue in cities throughout the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. The four officers involved have been fired and Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned Floyd's neck to the ground, has been arrested and charged with 3rd degree murder.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareNEW YORK, NY - MAY 28: Protesters clash with police during a rally against the death of Minneapolis, Minnesota man George Floyd at the hands of police on May 28, 2020 in Union Square in New York City. Floyd's death was captured in video that went viral of the incident. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called in the National Guard today as looting broke out in St. Paul.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareDENVER, CO - MAY 29: Devon Rapken attends a rally to protest the death of George Floyd on the steps of the Colorado state capitol on May 29, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Yesterday, protests in Denver were broken up with tear gas and pepper spray after someone fired gunshots near the capitol.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 26: Protesters call for justice for George Floyd following his death on Monday outside the Cup Foods on May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I can’t breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center.
Powerful Photos From George Floyd Protests All Over The World
ShareMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 29: A demonstrator protesting the death of George Floyd while he was in police custody confronts national guardsmen on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd's death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated.
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