First Responders at Protests Should Get COVID-19 Testing, Says Fla. DOH

Sun Sentinel

Police, paramedics and other first responders who attended any protests or mass gatherings should get tested for the coronavirus, the Florida Department of Health recommended in a tweet Thursday.

As protests in response to the killing of George Floyd take place across the country, hundreds of protesters flock to each event, some traveling from other cities, to pack the streets while the coronavirus is still prevalent in the community.

Despite many protesters wearing masks, the seas of crowds flooding the steps of city halls and sidewalks elbow-to-elbow for hours make it difficult to keep at least 6 feet apart from one another.

The health department on Thursday tweeted, “Any first responder in Florida who has been to mass gatherings or protests is recommended to get tested for #COVID19. Visit https://t.co/aT3AodQGpM to find a testing site near you.”

The department, which subsequently removed the tweet, didn’t explain why it was recommending first responders to get tested. A department spokesperson couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday.

The number of cases reported by the Department of Health shows 60,183 people have now contracted coronavirus, which is an increase from 58,764 people on Wednesday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that all counties in Florida, excluding Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade, could enter Phase 2 of his reopening plan by Friday.

Bars, pubs, movie theaters and bowling alleys are among the businesses that can reopen at 50% of their capacity and retail stores can transition to full capacity.