Arkansas – Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nate Smith, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, addressed the hazards of protesting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hutchinson presented a photo of protestors in Benton County, noting they were wearing masks, but there was no social distancing.
“The vast majority of them all have masks on,” Hutchinson said. “This is an indication they are taking this seriously in Benton County and Northwest Arkansas.”
Smith noted that there are concerns with social distancing and protesting.
“Whenever we have groups of people together, without social distancing, especially if they’re not wearing masks, then there is the risk of the spread of COVID-19,” Smith said. “Contact tracing in that setting would be very challenging.”