Everything you need to know about protesting safely
Image courtesy of Donovan Valdivia/Unsplash
Can you feel it? This is the tipping point. This could, and hopefully will be, the #MeToo moment the Black Lives Matter movement has long been denied. Protests calling for justice and race-equality have been arranged around the world, with Scotland proving to be no exception. On Sunday, June 7 2020, at 1pm, it’s predicted that over 7,000 people will come together in a demonstration in Edinburgh to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and it’s set to be a moving experience.
Originally planned to take place in Princes Street Gardens, organisers have now asked those interested in attending to join them in Holyrood Park instead. In a Facebook post, the rally’s organisers, Caroline Gray, Lizzay Riungu, and Cynthia Gentle, said, 'We have updated our meeting spot to Holyrood Park. We have made this decision as we believe the park will give us more space, as it looks like there will be an incredible turn out.’ It goes without saying, however, that if you’re exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, then you should not attend.
Naturally, the event’s organisers are acutely aware that the numbers predicted could potentially pose a threat to the progress we’ve made against COVID-19 here in Scotland, and are asking anyone who does deem themselves able to attend to adhere to the strict social distancing rules.
'Due to the current pandemic, we want to outline the health and safety measures we are putting in place to try and make sure everyone is being as safe as possible. If you are attending the rally, you must wear a mask and gloves. There will be also be stewards who, if you have not been able to get your hands on some PPE, can provide you with some. However, we must stress that we will not be able to provide for everyone.”
Understandably, the energy at protests can have an electricity to it; an excitement that’s easy to be swept up in. But to ensure the safety of yourself and others, you should avoid embracing others in any way; be it an embrace, a high-five, or a hand shake. Similarly, if you wear a mask, which is highly advisable, keep it on for the duration of your time there, and avoid adjusting it or touching your face.
Also on the day, there will be a two-metre distancing guideline set out for people to follow. ‘This is a peaceful protest, not a riot! We stress all attendees must keep two metres apart at all times.’
This is a mass gathering—an activity which our First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has placed a temporary albeit serious ban on. Currently, gatherings of only two households, with a maximum of eight people, are permitted. To mediate this risk, the rally's organisers are urging attendees adhere to the aforementioned mandatory distancing, as well as practising self-isolation post-protest. 'We want to make sure everyone is safe and can take part. However, remember if you are coming along, you will need to self isolate for 14 days afterwards. Please take this into consideration if you intend on coming.’
Organisers of other rallies have stressed attendees come in small numbers—if with anyone else at all. There has also been a rise in the number of ‘designated protesters’; those who have attended solo on behalf of friends and family, with some setting up Zoom calls for those at home to join so they can experience it together. Of course, you’ll need to speak with anyone you do live with and ensure there is a collective understanding and agreement about the risks and benefits of going to the protest. Ultimately, if you’re thinking about attending in person, you need to make these risk-benefit calculations for yourself, and you must consider the risk you may unwittingly put onto others.
The organisers still understand that many will be wary or outright unable to join in the peaceful protest, be it due to illness or where they live in the country. As such, a live stream will be put in place to afford those people a chance to take part and affect change. You can view the live stream on the day, on the event’s Facebook page.