MEMPHIS, Tennessee —
As protesters continue taking to the streets every night in Memphis to fight back against the virus of racism, we must not forget the other virus that is still very much with us – COVID-19.
The novel coronavirus is maintaining a strong presence in Memphis and Shelby County – with about 5,000 confirmed cases as we began this week, and we have lost 109 county residents to this deadly disease.
One major concern now is whether large protest gatherings – that have been happening every evening for nearly a week – will have an adverse effect on coronavirus cases in the county. In other words, will cases spike and cause us to lose whatever positive momentum we were having – because of social distancing and other precautions? We will likely know in about a week. And if there is a spike, it will be yet another stumbling block that could affect the opening of schools – and other activities in the coming months.
Many of the protesters are aware of this. Which is why they are wearing masks – even if they are not doing much social distancing. But some demonstrators have obviously made the decision that speaking out against the kind of police brutality that led to George Floyd’s killing – is just as important as staying safe from COVID-19. I understand that. I support that. Because protection against one virus is no good – without protection – from the other. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.