US Senator Kamala Harris opposes use of tear gas on protesters amid COVID-19

Democratic US Senator Kamala Harris has expressed her anger over use of tear gas on peaceful protests of Black Lives Matter amid coronavirus outbreak and called it “outrous”. Taking on Twitter to oppose actions of police forces using such measures to stop demonstrations have increased risk of being infected with COVID-19. Harris also ted that she, along with her colleagues in US government are trying to call for ncies that would prevent transmission of vel coronavirus which has w infected over 2.2 million people in country. Even though some US states have ordered against use of tear gas, ors have preferred method to prevent violence during protests. 

Even though US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Democratic leaders for being t harsh eugh against protesters and violence in state, US senator’s anger came just weeks after 1,300 medical officials have signed a petition calling against use of tear gas and pepper spray to disperse protesters at Black Lives Matter rallies. 

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Unrest has prevailed in many states across US which was triggered by death of African American George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis. Thousands of people have flooded streets of major cities amid coronavirus outbreak and police officials have t only advised against such mass garings but have even taken violent measures to control demonstrations. 

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Tear gas can accelerate transmission

Citing fear of a surge in coronavirus cases, medical professionals including doctors, nurses, disease experts have ted that measures taken by police authorities will accelerate spread of COVID-19 disease. In an open letter, health experts have said that police brutality could lead to worsening situation of coronavirus outbreak which has already spread unevenly among Americans based on ir racial orientation. authorities in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York among or US cities have adhered to tactics like launching fumes of chemical irritants and smoke to disperse demonstrations. 

Doctors advised, “Oppose any use of tear gas, smoke, or or respiratory irritants, which could increase risk for COVID-19 by making respiratory tract more susceptible to infection, exacerbating existing inflammation, and inducing coughing.”

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