International Protests Spread COVID-19

Currently there have been months of stay-at-home orders to limit the virus's spread. Thousands have packed the mass demonstrations that have seen many without masks, and some chanting, shouting, or singing.

Because of the virus' incubation period, it won't be known whether the protests have caused a spike in cases for another 2 weeks. There remains a delicate balance due to the importance of fighting against policy brutality while protecting the lives of people from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "Clean your hands, cover your cough and wear a mask if you attend a protest." He advised people to maintain a safe distance from others and stay home sick.

In summary, the WHO has said that the current protests could result in a wider spread of coronavirus.