Health Department warns of spreading of COVID-19 during protests

Tippecanoe County Health Officer Dr. Jeremy Adler is warning about possible COVID-19 concerns with the peaceful protests.

Streets of downtown lafayette the last three evenings.

And health officials are seeing possible health concerns with the peaceful protests.

As news 18's balint szalavari reports, they are are asking people to keep covid-19 in mind.

Hundreds have recently made their voices heard in downtown lafayette.

Nat: "no justice!

No peace!"

But tippecanoe county health officer dr. jeremy adler says there are a few health concerns with the recent protests.

Adler: "any time there is a large gathering of people where social distancing is difficult, where many individuals are not wearing masks, there is of course a risk of transmission of the coronavirus."

Dr. adler says people should distance themselves durin help limit the spread of covid-19.

Adler: "if you are at one of these events and it's possible to socially distance that of course is the ideal thing to do."

As of wednesday, tippecanoe county has 421 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Thomas sors with purdue's institute of inflammation, immunology and infectious disease says wearing a mask to such events will help limit the spread of the disease.

Sors: "their breaths as they're maybe speaking and yelling, some of those activities, are increasing the risk of secondary infection."

And sors says there should be a balance between keep each other safe and being heard.

Sors "it's important for these protesters to have their voices heard, but if you are going to go out there to protest to make sure that you are protecting yourselves.

Making sure that you are protecting those around you."

In tippecanoe county, balint szalavari, news 18.

Adler says those who attended a protest should monitor themselves for any symptoms, and to contact their healthcare provider if any symptoms develop.

The state of indiana announced they have