The Cause of Covid Spikes: Parties, NOT Protests

by Jingjing X. ‘22

“No justice no peace.” “White silence is white violence.” “Take the path of most resistance.” “Black lives matter.” These phrases boldly display across signs held up at protests starting from May 26, 2020. In this time frame, the world has experienced a massive outpouring of young activists, despite being shut indoors in alarm over the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as millions stand in solidarity and take to the streets, health officials were alarmed by a potential surge in cases. During protests, people stand and shout in close proximity to each other, causing possible spread of infection. However, recent research indicates that protests have no correlation to COVID spikes. Rather, these spikes can be attributed to parties, where people seem to turn a blind eye to health risks. 

Social gatherings have become a cause of concern for health officials. Erika Lautenbach, a Washington state county Health Department director, claims, “we’re finding that the social events and gatherings, these parties where people aren’t wearing masks, are our primary source of infection.” States are using contact tracing to pinpoint the origin of outbreaks. Lautenbach reports how one party of 100-150 people contributed to 29 directly infected people, who interacted with 31 different workplaces. Social gatherings, whether held in houses or at the beach, show direct affiliations with COVID spikes. As reported by the Baltimore Sun, Ocean City has become an increasing cause of concern, with a 9% increase in cases per capita, or 38 cases at the end of June to 113, in less than a month’s time. Compared with the image of protected faces donned with masks at protests, during which people march for a dire cause while keeping their fellow protestors safe, beach-goers sparsely wear masks and lounge carefree in open restaurants and the boardwalk. One server in a popular Ocean City establishment said, “Go to Ocean City. You’ll see how many people just don’t care.”

Yet, people look around the country and wonder if a different kind of gathering-- protests-- have any cause in COVID spread. In a study held by the University of Colorado Denver and published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, researchers found that BLM protest hot spots did not correspond with increases in COVID cases. Information was collected from anonymous cell phone tracking technology to measure movement and the CDC’s case numbers. The graphs reveal how there is no correlation between case spikes and protest tracking. 281 cities that observed protests were examined. The study reveals that only 1.7% of tests in these communities came back positive. BLM protestors are also likely to take necessary precautions like wearing masks and being in motion to prevent staying in one area that might be infected for too long. Rather than a cause for infection, protests can serve as an example of the efficacy of masks in preventing infection.

Just as beach trips and social gatherings have caused spikes in US cases, protests have spiked action in new reforms. All four officers who participated in the death of George Floyd have been arrested and charged. Around the world, more young people are educating themselves on the politics and circumstances around them. Congresspeople are pushing for improvement on the police system. Local officials are moving to ban chokeholds, tear gas, and other violet means of detaining. Confederate flags and statues are falling as people around the world stand up for each other and rewrite history. “Black Lives Matter” has turned into more than a slogan popping up on stands on a neighbor’s front lawn and being painted on the windows and streets of the city; it is settling as a truth that some hold in their minds and a force of justice and true solidarity. That being said, there is still much to be done. This battle is one that lingers on, and it’s up to the youth to fight for what they believe in and show compassion for others. In the current condition of the world, people should work together and keep themselves accountable to keep the COVID spikes under control. The first step: wear a mask and keep yourself and others safe.