Seven things to know when it comes to staying healthy if you’re marching for justice.
I walked up to City Hall in Philadelphia for the first scheduled protest in my city mourning the loss of George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis. The streets were quiet due to COVID-19, but a small group of organizers set up in Dilworth Park—typically a space for interactive family fun.
The threat of coronavirus is a major concern for protesters throughout the country, and many adjusted their plans to address the possibility of transmission. Here in Philadelphia, volunteers drew X’s on the ground for people to use as guides so they could stay at least six feet apart. The demonstration included a food bank, and volunteers handed out disposable masks and water. Speakers used a megaphone so those far from the crowd could still hear stories and participate in chants. As we marched to the Museum of Art for the second scheduled gathering of the day, most people staggered their pace to avoid close contact. The sprawling lawns, wide sidewalk, and car-free parkway in front of the museum offered ample space to practice guidelines.
“Fortunately, many protestors appear to be wearing masks and attempting to be physically distanced, although risk probably increases any time protestors are congregating in large crowds.” Angela Rasmussen, PhD, a virologist at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, tells Health. (After the protest in the park, I reached out to Rasmussen to find out if she’s been seeing protesters adhere to pandemic guidelines.) “COVID-19 is a concern at any mass gatherings, including protests, because it can be spread by presymptomatic or asymptomatic patients,” she notes.
As a journalist, it was challenging to interview participants while maintaining a safe distance—and no one there seemed unhealthy, so the virus was easy to forget. Amid the chaos of police clashing later in the day, it became impossible for me to even try to follow recommendations. When I realized that my physical safety was being threatened, my body forgot all about invisible threats.
Although no amount of planning will guarantee health and safety, these careful considerations from medical professionals can alleviate the stress of not knowing what will happen once protesters hit the streets.
Keep following pandemic guidelines
Just because you’re at a protest doesn’t mean you should stop wearing a mask (and bringing a spare), carrying hand sanitizer, and practicing good hand hygiene, says Rasmussen. And anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms, believes they have been exposed to the virus, is currently recovering from it, or is high-risk, isolate at home. “Support the protesters in other ways—donating to bail/legal defense funds/mutual aid groups, amplifying important messages online, and more,” says Rasmussen. “They should not attend a protest or any other type of gathering.”
Take care of your emotional health
Erik Jervis, a New Jersey-based trauma-focused therapist, tells Health that he’s concerned by protesters who have experienced direct trauma or witnessed trauma at protests. Even if you haven’t been physically harmed at these events, seeing others being harmed or hearing their screams can still cause emotional distress. “Ask yourself if you’re mentally and emotionally prepared to [be involved in or] witness confrontations,” advises Jervis. People with PTSD, anxiety, or trauma in their history could be triggered, he notes—even if they haven’t dealt with symptoms for many years.
“If you’re feeling wound up or anxious, be present and take a step back,” says Jervis. “Get away from it for a moment. Walking away from the march isn’t a negative thing. You can always rejoin when you’re ready.” It’s important to get support before, during, and after these experiences, he adds.
Consider your overall health risk factors
A medic I encountered (who prefers to stay anonymous) suggests thinking about how well your body tolerates heat, long bouts of standing, potentially walking for miles, as well as physical and emotional stress. Mark Pappadakis, DO, a New Jersey-based emergency medicine physician, agrees with this advice and tells Health that kneeling at a rally rather than marching might be a good option for those who are less mobile or more sensitive.
Pappadakis adds that protesters should reflect on their pre-existing conditions—even if they’re typically asymptomatic. Those who have COPD or asthma have a lower risk tolerance for irritants. An asthma attack or breathing issues can be triggered by heat and humidity, walking for long hours, stress, and chemical exposure—even if you haven’t had issues with these triggers before.
Finally, don’t forget emergency medications—like inhalers and Epi-Pens—but also prescriptions you take regularly, in case of arrest or you’re stuck in a location for longer than planned.
Know the effects of tear gas
After I was exposed to tear gas, the skin around my hairline blistered for days because I wasn’t able to rinse it out of that area quickly enough. Pappadakis explains that skin irritations are a normal tear gas effect, and he also notes that vomiting and diarrhea can occur if the chemical is accidentally ingested.
“Both pepper spray and tear gas have a similar symptom presentation in patients. We’re usually worried about the eyes and lungs,” says Pappadakis. Eyes can swell or look similar to pink eye. Exposure can also cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and prolonged coughing. Using a mask that seals tightly to the face with no gaps will help prevent these effects, he says. Because some people with asthma or breathing issues experience discomfort when wearing tight masks, they need to consider if it’s wise to attend.
If you don’t have a mask that seals up tightly, Pappadakis suggests pairing the mask you do have (which you should be wearing to protect against coronavirus anyway) with goggles to protect the eyes and lungs from tear gas. If all you have is a cloth facial covering, put that on; it’s better than nothing. Opt for long sleeves and long pants to protect the skin from exposure. He warns against wearing contacts; glasses are safer.
Be prepared with first aid
Protests can turn violent, so Pappadakis recommends carrying compression bandages and alcohol for cleaning wounds. Bring supplies for splints for ankles, legs, and joints in case of sprains or breaks. Tourniquets are important in case of excessive bleeding, he adds, so know where and how to place them. A full-face gas mask could protect the eyes from rubber bullets, which have caused blindness and skull fractures.
Bumps and bruises happen, but people with increasing pain could have organ damage and should be seen at an ER, says Pappadakis. Concussions are another risk; if you get hit in the head and think you could have a concussion, seek medical attention ASAP. It could lead to something more serious, like a brain hemorrhage. As the co-chair of a grassroots activism group that advocates for equitable access to quality emergency medical care, Pappadakis wants to highlight the importances of obtaining emergency care if needed. Know where the nearest ER or urgent care is and go if needed.
Have a plan if things get dangerous
“Before things take a violent turn or as you see them shifting, make a decision about whether you want to continue or not,” says Pappadakis. “Your health is most important.” Ask yourself what you would do if you see SWAT vehicles or a police barricade ahead. Do you have access to the care you’ll need if a serious injury occurs? In an emergency, it’s important to walk quietly and efficiently away from the scene. Medics on the ground advise protesters not to run because it can escalate police perception of what’s happening, and it also puts people at risk for trampling.
One reason to have a plan is to avoid being detained or arrested, which can put you at risk for COVID-19. “I am particularly concerned about protestors who are detained or arrested, as they are likely to be kept in enclosed environments crowded with other people, with limited or no access to masks or hand hygiene,” says Rasmussen.
Keep an eye out for medical helpers
When I arrive on location, I scan the crowd for people I might need in an emergency. Medics often wear a red duct-taped medical cross symbol on their backpack and sleeves. These people will have the equipment and communication tools to get more help even if they aren’t formally trained. In Philadelphia, some also carry glucose for diabetics and Epi-Pens for those who might have allergic reactions. Other volunteers, such as those handing out masks, hygiene kits, snacks, and bottled water are good to find, too. Keeping a mental tab of who these people are and what they’re wearing every day helps me find them when I need them.
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