okay, as protests persist, i want to remind us all that we are still in the middle of a pandemic; one which damages/attacks your upper respiratory system. as such, being around burning cars and buildings can be hazardous in more ways than one. please be aware.

keep your masks on at all times, especially if you are in the vicinity of something burning. if hit with tear gas, you will likely have to take your mask off. try to remain aware of where you’re coughing. go to these protests with trusted comrades so they can keep you safe.

if you have asthma, carry your inhaler with you at *all* times at these protests. if you’re able, carry multiple just in case someone else needs one urgently. carry water! carry milk of magnesia!

wear clothing that you are okay with throwing out—this is both for COVID-19 safety and to make sure clothing that police can ID you with is no longer in your home should you be caught on camera.

if you have allergies, try carrying benadryl on your person at these protests—enough for yourself and others who may need it. cough drops and other cough/allergy suppressants can’t hurt either.

this isn’t necessarily COVID-related, but is something i do when i protest always: consider bringing a snack. i don’t bring it for myself, but for people with diabetes who may need it in an emergency. or other folks who may just be hungry on the streets.

ultimately, you just need to make sure that you are taking extra steps to care for your body in these moments. care for your upper respiratory system; stay hydrated; keep food on your stomach; be mindful of other folks.

if you do not live alone and your entire house is not going to a protest together, consider not going to the protest. it’s not worth putting your family/friends in danger. ESPECIALLY if they are immunocompromised.

as the national guard is being deployed more and more around the country, there’s no telling whether or not they’ll be deputized. tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, etc can all be things use that could compromise your safety—general and COVID-related. be hyper-vigilant.

most importantly, this is specifically for Black folks: DO NOT make yourself a martyr. we don’t need martyrs; we need you. the only folks who should be putting their whole bodies on the line is white folks. you do your best to make sure you make it home safely.

and in case this garners a lot of attention, i want to be clear: i am not in the medical field. i am just have years of experience with community organizing and protest, and i am disabled. these are things that have kept me safe long before COVID.

ALSO: do not go to *any* protest—EVER—where the “organizers” have worked with the police for “safety purposes.” ever.