It may take a few days to learn the impact of recent protests on Indiana’s COVID-19 numbers. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said Wednesday that she’s concerned that the large gatherings could lead to an uptick in cases.
“Protests by nature are kind of an act of unity, so linking hands and arms and not really experiencing social distancing, and some were wearing masks but not everyone,” Box said during state officials’ COVID-19 press conference. “So in particular communities, that can certainly increase the risk for more infections to occur, and that is something that wouldn’t be seen, probably, for the next seven to 10 days, with regards to number of cases that go up.”
Box said she supports people’s need to make their voices heard but encourages them to wear masks, wash their hands, and be aware that they could be spreading COVID-19.
Governor Eric Holcomb expressed his support for those who protest peacefully, including those who demonstrated outside of his home. “That was such a beautiful sight, quite frankly, to see folks come together where there was a line drawn, and folks on both sides of that line came together and embraced, quite frankly, and walked together,” he said. “And that showed me great promise. That showed me that the peaceful demonstration could prevail, and it should persist, quick frankly, until results are shown.”
Holcomb promised that the state government will look agency-by-agency to see what changes it could make and will also reach out to stakeholders to build a statewide coalition. He also expressed hope that the state legislature, cities, and towns will also take action.
