The mass demonstrations in Syracuse and across the nation calling for changes in police conduct are exactly the kind of gatherings that health experts have warned could cause a spike in COVID-19 infections. Chief of the Infectious disease division at SUNY Upstate Dr. Steven Thomas says protesters still run the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19 even as the number of cases continues to diminish.
"Any gathering of people of any size has the potential to cause uninfected people to become infected. I would encourage that when people think about whether they want to be involved in gatherings large or small that they ask themselves a question about their personal risk: How would you tolerate a COVID-19 infection?"
Thomas says the risk can be mitigated by wearing masks, sanitizing and washing hands, and keeping space from those who aren't wearing masks. He recommends protesters pay attention to their health, and if they notice any symptoms, to seek medical advice. County Executive Ryan McMahon says so far, there doesn’t appear to be a spike in community spread from the first major protest.
"We are averaging essentially six community spread over the last three days in our second week of phase two. We have not seen an uptick from the original demonstrations that we had over a week ago, the first Saturday, when folks were together protesting."
McMahon says he’s glad to see most are wearing masks. But some might feel the risk is minimal and decide to take the chance at going mask-free.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONIES?
Over the weekend, Governor Cuomo announced outdoor, socially distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed starting June 26th. McMahon appreciates the flexibility, but the small number is likely only helpful for a few small districts. He's asking the state to bump up some of the relaxed regulations in phase four so districts can hold ceremonies sooner, as long as the region meets the metrics.
"I think there's a way to have graduation for some of our larger high schools with their loved ones there. Even if they broke it up into two ceremonies, these are options and discussions that are practical at this point. We can't pretend there haven't been larger gatherings in this community. There have," McMahon said, referencing the mass protests of the past week.
"If those can be held safely, is there a way to do this in a safe way with graduations? Yes. Are we running out of time? Probably, if we don't get some more clarification from the state if they would allow us to have more traditional ceremonies into phase four."
McMahon says they're considering allowing ceremonies at large outdoor venues like NBT Bank Stadium and perhaps the St. Joseph's Amphitheater to allow for appropriate social distancing. Phase three is scheduled to begin by Friday or the weekend, depending on how the state is counting days and applying the data.
