Covid-19 safety advice for people participating in protests

This weekend a Black Lives Matter march is taking place in the city. We support the call by organisers for a peaceful and safe demonstration and thank the thousands of people who protested safely in July and demonstrated our city’s values.

If you’re protesting – and we fully support people's right to protest – please keep maintaining safe physical distancing and continue to take the right precautions to keep yourself, your family and your communities safe from Covid-19. 

Public Health England have provided health protection advice for people participating in protests and there's more information about what you can and can’t do following the introduction of the ‘rule of 6’ on the Government’s Cabinet Office Covid-19 webpages. 

Social distancing

Social distancing should be practiced traveling to and from, and during the protest.

This means:

  • staying at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with when outside your home
  • washing your hands with soap and water before you leave the house
  • using hand sanitiser gel regularly when you’re out
  • washing your hands as soon as you get home - do this for at least 20 seconds
  • covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • putting used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards or use hand sanitiser
  • not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Face coverings

  • always wear a face-covering when attending a protest - this means something that covers your nose and mouth
  • wash your hands after touching your face covering
  • don't share your face covering with others

Travel

  • avoid using public transport where possible. Travel to and from protests by foot or cycle.

Health protection advice for participation in protests

Things to think about when you're deciding whether or not to attend a protest:

  • don't attend a protest if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (a new cough, fever or change in your sense of taste or smell) – stay home and get tested to protect others
  • consider who's in your household - do you live with people who have health conditions and are vulnerable to catching Covid -19 and becoming ill? Think about how you can help to protect them. 
  • avoid protests if you feel that you will be unable to keep 2m apart from others, to reduce your risk of acquiring infection
  • consider alternative ways to show your support, such as donating funds, supporting initiatives or virtually protesting via social media channels
  • handwashing stations won’t be available everywhere - take hand sanitiser with you and use it often
  • toilet facilities won’t be available to use
  • water filling stations won’t be available to use, bring water with you and stay hydrated - don't share your bottle with anyone else



Don't attend a protest if you have symptoms of Covid -19 (a new cough, fever or change in your sense of taste or smell) - stay home and get tested to protect others and if after going to a protest, if you develop cough, fever or change in your sense of taste or smell, stay home and get tested. 

Keep safe.