George Floyd Death: Baltimore's Health Commissioner Urges Protesters To Wear Masks To Avoid Spreading Coronavirus
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore's health commissioner Sunday urged those protesting the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis to wear face coverings and practice social distancing to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
At a news conference Sunday, Dr. Letita Dzirasa warned that large gatherings have, in some instances, become "super spreader events where multiple people become infected with the virus."
She encouraged protesters to not only remain peaceful but to follow health guidelines to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases.
WJZ COMPLETE COVERAGE: George Floyd's Death And Its Impacts In Maryland
- George Floyd Death: Baltimore A 'National Example' Of How To Protest Peacefully, Young Says
- George Floyd Death: Gov. Hogan Says Baltimore 'Showed The Nation How To Promote Positive Change' With Demonstrations This Weekend
- George Floyd Death: Protestors Gather Outside Baltimore's City Hall, Some Demonstrators Got Violent
- George Floyd Death: Protest Held In Baltimore's Inner Harbor
- Marilyn Mosby Defends Decision To Quickly Charge Officers In Freddie Gray Case After Attorney Compares It With George Floyd Investigation
- George Floyd Death: Baltimore Police Commissioner Says Video Was 'Disgusting And Shocking To The Conscience'
- George Floyd Death: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Says It's Not Fair To Compare With Freddie Gray Case
- More Coverage
"As a black woman, as a mother to black sons, as the wife and daughter of black men, I stand with those who are hurting, angry and afraid right now. However, as we lift our voices against injustice, we must do it peacefully and safely. The need to use face coverings, to practice social distancing, to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer remain critical behaviors that are key to reducing the spread of COVID-19," she said.
As of Sunday, the state health department reported 52,778 total confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,411 confirmed deaths in the state. The number of hospitalizations fell to 1,183, the lowest level since April 15, state officials said.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.