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Protesting during COVID-19

What do we need to know?

Having the most accurate information helps us make the best choices for ourselves and our current situations. No matter what we decide, finding ways to continue to take care of ourselves for the long-haul is important. If you need additional support, check out additional resources to boost your mental health. 

Questions to Ask Before Protesting

  • What is the current local guidance related to COVID-19?
  • Who else lives with you right now and would be at risk for exposure?
  • Where can you safely go to quarantine if you are possibly exposed?
    • Where can you go if returning to your residence puts others at risk? 
  • Do you have a buddy or group to go with?
    • Be sure to discuss with each other boundaries on scenarios with little social distancing, if the protest is broken up, and if you get split up.
  • Who else can you trust to make sure someone knows where you are going and plan to be at all times?
  • What should you bring?
    • Consider the following: 
      • Face covering to limit potential viral exposure within the crowd
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Tissues
      • First aid kit
      • Hat and sunscreen 
      • A fully charged phone/extra battery pack and charger 
      • Emergency contacts with telephone numbers 
      • Food and water

While Protesting

  • Wear a face covering and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Your face covering should cover your mouth and your nose at all times.
    • If you have extra, consider bringing some for others who may not have them.
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart from others to maintain physical distancing.
  • Stay hydrated by frequently drinking water. 
  • Don’t shake hands, hug, share drinks or engage in long face-to-face conversations.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow.
  • Regularly clean and sanitize any surfaces you touch, such as your cell phone.
  • UCLA Health urges individuals who are protesting to consider using signs or posters, or other non-verbal communication as alternatives to chanting or shouting.

After Protesting

  • Change your clothes as soon as possible, shower and disinfect your belongings. 
  • Do not put contaminated clothes in with other laundry.
  • Consider a two week quarantine. It is possible to transmit SARS-CoV-2 without showing any symptoms. 
  • Consider getting tested for COVID-19. 
  • If a student identifies symptoms, has tested positive for COVID-19 or has come into contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, that student should contact University Student Health Services. 

Resources

*This information was adapted, in part, from UCDavis