Split Research, Opinions on Whether Protests Caused Virus Spike

Research into whether recent protests caused a spike in COVID-19 coronavirus cases is emerging in various regions throughout the U.S., often with different conclusions. Reactions of leaders and health officials to protests following the death of George Floyd are being contrasted with the same officials' reactions to anti-lockdown protests months earlier; a New York Times story published Monday highlights how some health experts admitted advocating for participation in Black Lives Matter protests while warning of the health risks associated with anti-lockdown protests. The subject has been reported on more by right-rated sources, many of which focused on data that suggests protests led to rises in virus cases and increased public safety risks. Some coverage from left- and center-rated outlets framed that focus as misguided, pointing to apparently contradictory data. Other coverage from some left-rated sources explored the possibility that the protests helped stop the virus from spreading.