After a series of weekend protests – some of which resulted in interactions between law enforcement and protesters with little to no social distance – some advocates are concerned about the decision by police and sheriff’s deputies not to wear masks.
On top of concerns by health officials about the spread of COVID-19 during the protests in general, those who helped lead demonstrations said law enforcement’s decisions show a lack of care for their well-being.
“We see once again the significance of the police’s disregard for the health, safety and even lives of those who they feign they are here to protect,” said the Rev. Alaina Cobb, pastor at Mercy Junction Justice and Peace Center. “Flagrant disregard for even basic safety measures is reflected not only in their choice to not wear [masks] and reduce the spread of COVID-19 but also in their constant escalation tactics during protests.”
According to modeling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around a third of all COVID-19 infections are believed to come from asymptomatic carriers, or people who are likely unaware they have the disease. Masks are recommended to stop people from spreading the virus through respiratory droplets that are released when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Representatives from both the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Chattanooga Police Department said wearing masks designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus can hurt law enforcement’s ability to communicate.