Donald Trump has cited Black Lives Matter’s protests against the police murder of George Floyd as one of the possible causes of the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
The President of the United States did not directly blame the anti-racist protests, but suggested that it “presumably” led Americans to lower their guard against the pandemic.
“There are likely to be a number of causes for the increase in infection cases,” Trump told reporters at his second briefing on the virus in two days after a three-month deadlock. “Cases began to rise among young Americans shortly after the protests, which you know very well, which presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts across the country.”
Public health experts say there is little evidence that the protests spread to Covid-19 in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington, or other cities. They were held outdoors, where the virus spreads less easily and most participants wore face masks, which Trump has recognized as an effective preventative measure.
Dhaval Dave, lead author of a study at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, told the Associated Press that in many cities, the protests actually seemed to lead to a net increase in physical distance, as more people who did not protest decided stay. off the streets
Trump, who has tried to combine the protests with looting and violence, did not say they were the only reason for the resurgence of the virus. Speaking at the White House, he continued: “A substantial increase in travel was also a cause, an increase in gathering on holidays such as Memorial Day, as well as youth who congregate closely in bars, and probably in other places. Maybe beaches.
“Four or five different places listed, we have 12 listed in the guide, they probably contributed as well.”
But then he made a surprise until he got to his favorite talking point, claiming that his wall on the U.S.-Mexico border had helped prevent further infection.
“We are also sharing a 2,000 mile border with Mexico, as we know very well, and unfortunately cases are emerging in Mexico,” Trump said. “I was with him [Mexican] President and it’s a big problem for Mexico, but the cases are emerging very strongly and throughout the rest of the Western Hemisphere. “
He added: “Two hundred and fifty miles of newly built walls along the southern border have had a great positive impact on people entering, and we have a record number of people entering illegally, which was very helpful. It was really meant for a different purpose, but it worked very well for what we’re doing now and for the pandemic. “
Critics have noted that the surge in coronavirus cases, which now kills more than 1,000 people per day, coincided with the reopening of bars, restaurants, and other businesses by states at Trump’s behest and against the guidance. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Trump reappeared alone at Wednesday’s briefing, with no public health experts, and said the response to the pandemic “everything will work, it is working.”
Later, Joe Biden, the alleged Democratic presidential candidate, said: “Instead of facing this crisis head-on, Donald Trump has waved the white flag of defeat, and top advisers say Trump” is no longer working on this “and that he ‘doesn’t want to be distracted by it.’
“Trump’s failure to lead is so complete that even top Republicans are speaking, with a key adviser to Texas Governor Greg Abbott describing Trump as ‘boring’ in dealing with Covid-19.”
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