While watching all the protesting, rioting, and looting for the last two weeks in response to George Floyd's murder, I've had the same thought as a lot of people. I wonder if all these people are putting themselves and first responders at risk for the coronavirus?

Actually, my social media streams have been full of posts like, "I guess nobody cares about social distancing anymore" and "So coronavirus is over and we're on to riots now?". Actually, the risk of the coronavirus is still very real and the chance to spread it during protests is also pretty high.

According to the article on www.marketwatch.com experts, including the U.S. Surgeon General, are concerned that we might see a spike in COVID-19 cases due to the protests. The incubation period is about 14 days for the virus so experts are watching for a spike around June 11th.

That's why states like Georga, Minnesota, Texas, and now New York are suggesting that protesters and first responders get tested for the coronavirus if they feel like they've been exposed.

Albany County is opening a testing site at the Whitney Young South Campus on Warren Street from 1:30 pm to 4 pm today, Thursday, June 4th. Testing is available to Albany protesters and first responders that feel like they might have been exposed to the coronavirus during one of the protests in Albany.

You don't need to make an appointment, testing is done on a walk-up basis and you just need to bring your ID and your insurance card if you have one. Oh, and please wear a mask.

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