Dr. Fauci says crowded Black Lives Matter protests are ‘perfect setup’ for fresh wave of coronavirus to rip through US – The Sun
THE head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has warned that the Black Lives Matter protests are a “prefect setup” for a new wave of the coronavirus to spread.
Protests right across the US have taken place in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets in all 50 states demanding racial equality after Floyd died after a white cop, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for just under nine minutes in Minneapolis two weeks ago.
Dr Anthony Fauci, 79, though as expressed his concerns about the large gatherings which have been seen recently.
He told WTOP radio on Friday: “It's a perfect setup for further spread of the virus in the sense of creating these blips which might turn into some surges.”
Dr Fauci added: “I get very concerned, as do my colleagues in public health, when they see these kinds of crowds.
“There certainly is a risk. I can say that with confidence.”
Demonstrators once again took to the streets this weekend with thousands turning up to march in Washington DC near the White House.
Following earlier demonstrations in the capital President Donald Trump had a fence erected around his official home.
Mr Trump has taken a confrontational approach to the demonstrations which on occasion have descended into rioting and looting
Decisions over public health are down to the individual states and they are currently at various stages of reopening although public health officials are warning people to stay six feet apart and wear a face mask.
There certainly is a risk. I can say that with confidence
But Black Lives Matter protestors have been photographed removing their masks either to join in with the chanting and also as relief when tear gas has been deployed by police.
Dr Fauci added: “It's a difficult situation. We have the right to peacefully demonstrate and the demonstrators are exercising that right.
“It's a delicate balance because the reasons for demonstrating are valid and yet the demonstration itself puts oneself at an additional risk.”
Fauci emphasised his concern in another interview published Sunday.
“As I sat in front of the TV and watched the screen go from Washington, D.C., to New York City, to Los Angeles, to Philadelphia, I got really concerned” Fauci told London’s Sunday Times.
“I was going, "Oh my goodness. I hope this doesn't set us back a lot." [After] all of the work in trying to maintain the physical distance and doing all the things, I became very concerned that we might see a resurgence.”
Dr Fauci’s warning comes as the number of coronavirus cases in the US has passed the two million mark.
The US now accounts for two in every seven cases recorded globally. One in every four recorded deaths from coronavirus is an American citizen.
Around 1,000 Americans have died every day on average in June so far, down from a peak of 2,000 per day in April.
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