A protester remains sitting on street after protesters leave a small gathering at Las Vegas Blvd and St. Louis Ave. to head back to City Hall, Wednesday, June 3, 2020 during the sixth day of demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after he was pinned at the neck by a Minneapolis police officer. YASMINA CHAVEZ
Friday, June 5, 2020 | 11:49 a.m.
As protesters continue taking to the Las Vegas streets to speak out against police brutality against black Americans following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police last month, there have been quite a few risks to consider.
Those include: Dispersal tactics of tear gas and pepper balls from police, extremist groups inciting violence from within, and a looming pandemic with protest crowds not creating an ideal environment for social distancing.
People of color, especially black and Asian residents, have died from COVID-19 complications at disproportionately high rates, the Southern Nevada Health District reports.
“I’m worried about the people out protesting,” said Dr. Deborah Kuhls, president of the Clark County Medical Society. “We already know people of color appear to be at even greater risk of COVID-19. When we look at the outcome of (the disease), we see that certain densities of population and certain socioeconomic factors put people more at risk.”
Health and legal experts offered these suggestions to minimize these risks while also expressing your right to free speech.
Wearing a mask is still crucial, even outdoors
Experts say COVID-19 is primarily spread through coughing or sneezing, and can also be spread through yelling and talking. Virus-carrying airborne droplets can still be spread through asymptomatic carriers.
Being outdoors can potentially minimize risk of infection spread, but being in close proximity to other protesters yelling and chanting still puts you at a greater risk of catching the virus, UNLV epidemiologist Brian Labus said.
Coupled with the fact that you don’t know every person at the protest and whether or not they are carrying the virus, it’s impossible to weigh how risky a protest gathering is, Kuhls said.
That’s why wearing a mask or face covering is as important as ever to protect others around you.
“We’re telling people to wear masks for the social distancing reasons just as we have with any group gatherings,” Labus said. “But during a protest, you see people wearing masks for multiple different reasons — sometimes to protect their identity, other times to protect themselves against tear gas.”
Still, when it comes to tear gas, cloth masks offer little protection from the agent irritating lungs and eyes.
The most effective protection against agents like tear gas and pepper balls are tight-fitting gas masks, or respirators, Labus said.
Protesters might consider wearing eye protection or goggles as well, he added.
Monitor your health before you go out
Some protesters have marched for miles between the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. With triple-digit temperatures and high heat persisting into the evening, it’s important to monitor your health and hydrate before heading out, Kuhls said.
“Thirst is a late symptom of dehydration,” she said. “Roughly keep track of your urination and what color it is throughout the day. … It should be light yellow. If it’s dark yellow, you’re dehydrated.”
The best way to maintain a strong immune system is to get plenty of rest before going out to protest, as well as maintaining a healthy diet and drinking fluids with electrolytes.
Know what supplies to bring and how to store them
Demonstrations can last hours, so it’s important to know what supplies to bring to keep yourself safe and your hands free.
Water, snacks, hand sanitizer, first-aid kits and extra masks are crucial. In some jurisdictions, such as Las Vegas, storing some of these items may be challenging, given a recent ban on large bags and backpacks during demonstrations.
The ban also includes coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, computer bags, camera bags and luggage. Violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Clark County — which has jurisdiction over the Strip — is considering a similar ban.
Small bags under 12 inches are still allowed and Kuhls encourages protesters to be innovative with how they choose to carry things.
“If someone is carrying something with them and they’re concerned that it may be perceived as hiding something, secure your items in clear bags; they’re available in many retail places,” she said.
Know your rights
The First Amendment protects citizens’ right to assemble, but it doesn’t protect protesters from violation of established laws such as trespassing, disobeying or interfering with a police officer, or obstructing a sidewalk, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada.
“I think the most important thing I would emphasize for people is to be careful with private property,” ACLU spokesman Wesley Juhl said. “There’s a distinction between Fremont Street and parts of the Strip because those are public forums, even though they are technically private property. But when you get to spaces like Container Park, it starts to get a little dicey in the sense that you don’t have as many First Amendment protections.”
Juhl advises protesters to stick to public streets and sidewalks, and avoid shopping malls or shopping centers. Juhl also urges undocumented protesters to be cautious.
“Even if they get busted on some bogus failure-to-disperse misdemeanor, it can still have serious consequences for them as far as immigration goes,” he said.
Also important to remember when officers are around is to walk, not run, and keep hands where police can see them.
If you have been properly detained, police can legally ask for your name and you can be arrested for refusing to give it, according to the ACLU. You can claim the right to remain silent, which can be a defense if you are already arrested.
Surveillance is a valid concern as well, Juhl said. If an activity captured and posted by the media or anyone else is illegal, police can use it as evidence.
“You do have the right to wear a mask, not that I’m encouraging people to tag,” he said. “Surveillance is real, especially if you’re on the Strip. All of those resorts have facial recognition software.”
Juhl also recommends writing emergency contact numbers on your arm in case you find yourself without your cellphone or detained.
Ways to speak out from home
People who are worried about their safety in general can still support the cause without having to go out. Here are some links to visit to donate or participate in the cause.
