US cities fear protests could fuel a new wave of coronavirus outbreaks

AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

• Officials in US cities engulfed in protests over the police killing of George Floyd are worried the large gatherings of people could spread the coronavirus and lead to a new wave of outbreaks.
• "It's not OK that in the middle of a pandemic we have to be out here risking our lives," Spence Ingram said in Atlanta. "But I have to protest for my life and fight for my life all the time."
• While many people have been wearing masks and trying to keep physical distance, protesters, law enforcement, and even political leaders have been seen not following public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The massive protests sweeping across US cities following the police killing of a black man in Minnesota have sent shudders through the health community and elevated fears that the huge crowds will lead to a new surge in cases of the coronavirus.

Some leaders appealing for calm in places where people smashed storefronts and destroyed police cars, and police used tear gas to disperse crowds in recent nights have been handing out masks and warning demonstrators they were putting themselves at risk.

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See Also:

• Police chiefs in Dallas and Atlanta walked their cities' streets and talked directly with demonstrators protesting against the killing of George Floyd
• LIVE UPDATES: Protests erupt across the US for the 5th night in a row, cities implement curfews, Minnesota activates entire National Guard
• PHOTOS: Protests erupted in New York City as police clashed with demonstrators over the killing of George Floyd

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