Protests Raise Coronavirus Concerns

Casey Albritton was outside the Madison County Courthouse where protests happened on Monday.

News.

This evening, the alabama department of public health is warning if protestors aren't careful, we could see a spike in coronavirus cases.

Waay 31's casey albritton is live at the madison county courthouse where a protest happened on monday.

She learned what state health officials are recommending.

Casey?

Hundreds of people gathered here at the courthouse on monday, unable to social distance.

The alabama department of public health released a statement, asking protestors to still wear masks and try to maintain six feet apart.

Doctor karen landers/ department of public health "the alabama department of public health is very disturbed by the death of george floyd and we recognize the right of persons to assemble for peaceful protests."

Doctor karen landers works with the alabama department of public health.

She says being so close to so many people during a protest could spread the coronavirus quickly.

"it's a very serious virus and it's a very serious illness and it's still in our community."

The department released a statement on tuesday, asking people to take precautions while protesting.

"it's certainly a grave concern that people can develop covid-19 from being in a large group of people."

She says if people choose to hold hands during protests and come in contact with each other, they should use hand sanitizer as much as possible.

"adhere to social distancing to keep respiratory hygiene in the forefront and wear cloth face coverings."

I did reach out to the governor's office to see if a spike in coronavirus cases could delay the next phase of the state reopening... i'll let you know as soon as i hear back.

Live in huntsville, casey albritton, waay 31 news.

I did reach out to the governor's office to see if a spike in coronavirus cases could delay the next phase of the state reopening.

I'll let you know as soon as i hear back.

Live in huntsville, casey albritton, waay