Reducing Risks While Protesting During COVID-19

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte supports the rights of all people in this country to show up, speak out, and exercise their First Amendment rights to protest and demonstrate. There is much going on in the country to speak up about – from racial injustice to protecting our democracy.

Especially because of the current pandemic, gathering in large groups has become a more complicated decision and it is always your personal choice whether to attend a protest.

Should you decide to attend a protest, the following are some guidance points that may be helpful:
 

COVID-19 Specific Guidance for Protesting In Person

• Stay home if you are not well or have reason to think you have COVID-19.
• Assess your level of risk for severe illness if you contract COVID-19 and your risk tolerance for exposure from participating in a group protest or from being detained.
• Wear a mask or face covering over your nose and mouth. 
• In the event of exposure to tear gas or pepper spray, do not rub your eyes and flush out your eyes with water. Seek medical attention if symptoms don't resolve or you are concerned.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from other protestors and from law enforcement, particularly those not wearing face coverings, if at all possible. 
• Stay hydrated and wear sunblock.
• If you have asthma or severe allergies, make sure you have your rescue medications with you in case of need.
• Because social distancing cannot be maintained at protests, if you attend a protest, you should be tested for COVID-19 afterward.  
• With cooler nights, be sure to bring an extra layer of clothing to prepare for change in temperature.
   

General Safety and Security Considerations

Security

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Be mindful of your conversations in public and know that anything you say in public could be overheard and repeated, recorded, or taken out of context.  
• Maintain a high level of situational awareness and information security. Do not leave your electronics or documents containing sensitive information unattended. 
• Be mindful of protestors who you do not know or are not with your group.

Non-Engagement With Agitators Or Other Hostile Individuals

• Avoid engaging in conversation or any verbal exchange with aggressive, hostile individuals or protesters.
• If you are in an uncomfortable situation create distance, and notify security or a protest organizer. 
• Follow organizing guidance from official protest organizers and be wary of tactics that are not coming from the organizers. 
• Only RSVP to protests on Social Media that are organized by known protest organizations - research to make sure the protest and sign-up are legitimate and not a part of dis- or mis-information tactics by opponents. 

Additional Safety Reminders:

• You may be in a large crowd, so look for landmarks, cross streets, medical stations, and be aware of an exit route. This will help you in time of emergency.
• Do not carry knives or other items that are, or may be considered a weapon.  
• Avoid situations that may become combative or volatile.
• Stick with your group or someone you know, so if you are injured or are involved in an incident they can call for assistance. 
• Always carry your cell phone programmed with numbers that would be useful in an emergency. Make sure your cell phone is charged and/or you have back up battery power.  Write the phone number of your emergency contact on your arm with a permanent marker in case you are separated from your devices.

Additional safety measures to be considered in areas of potential conflict:

• Cover your tattoos or other easily identifying markers. 
• Don’t wear jewelry and be mindful of your piercings. 
• Be mindful of your public privacy settings on social media if you are posting protest content, and be mindful of posting your exact location.

Virtual/Physically Distant Protest

Protesting in person is not the only way to make your voice heard. If you are unable to participate in an in-person protest for any reason, you can participate in the following strategies.

• Car Protests
• Virtual Rallies
• Social Media
• Flying a banner from home.