Whether demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd wear masks or not, mass gatherings create an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Now, Business Insider reports tear gas sprayed at protesters by the police could be making the spread of the novel coronavirus even worse.
Tear gas is a chemical agent that causes burning in the eyes, noses, throat, lungs, and skin, and makes people cough and retch.
If sprayed on an infected person, it could lead the virus to spread more quickly and widely.
Some studies have also shown that after tear-gas exposure, people are more likely to be diagnosed with respiratory illnesses.