Study: Massive Black Lives Matters protests may have slowed coronavirus spread in large cities

This week we’ve heard on the news that there’s been a huge uptick in COVID-19 cases nationwide, and people supposedly smarter than us are pinning it on all on those Memorial Day get-togethers and not the massive, international George Floyd/Black Lives Matter protests.

This is actually the second study we’ve seen suggesting that those protests actually slowed the spread of the coronavirus. Just last week, a study released by the National Bureau of Economic Research found no evidence that coronavirus cases jumped in 315 cities in the weeks following the first protests.

Why? “Researchers determined that protests may have been offset by an increase in social distancing among those who decided not to march.” In other words, there was more social distancing by all of the people who avoided the protests because they were afraid of violence or general unrest. But we thought all those people were locked down anyway.

Now there’s another study suggesting that not only didn’t the massive gatherings increase the spread of the coronavirus — they actually slowed the spread of the coronavirus.

While the protests brought thousands of people together, they likely caused many more to stay home, a research team including a University of Colorado Denver professor concluded https://t.co/J1nLZ4TCS5

— The Colorado Sun (@ColoradoSun) July 1, 2020

… a new study by a nationwide research team that includes a University of Colorado Denver professor has found something surprising: The protests may have slowed the overall spread of the coronavirus in cities with large demonstrations, including Denver.

“We think that what’s going on is it’s the people who are not going to protest are staying away,” said Andrew Friedson, the CU-Denver professor who is one of the paper’s co-authors. “The overall effect for the entire city is more social distancing because people are avoiding the protests.”

So those massive gatherings you saw were offset by people who were probably going to stay home anyway, get it?

I’m here for the ratio. pic.twitter.com/ZcjKCxoPZf

— Sean Agnew (@seanagnew) July 2, 2020

But the lockdown protests increased the spread? ? So the virus is ideological?!

— IndigoSolFly ⭐⭐⭐ (@fly_sol) July 1, 2020

Sweet ratio, The Sun.

— St. Mark (@Markuserealeus) July 1, 2020

……but they still brought thousands of people together. The exact thing we've been trying to avoid for four months.

— Name (@ChrisDevoe3) July 1, 2020

This is next level ridiculous

— chad gorman (@lerch67) July 1, 2020

Proof that a lot of professors need to be replaced.

— Rachel ⚔️ (@materduorum) July 1, 2020

So, can we talk about defunding the universities now?

— St. Mark (@Markuserealeus) July 1, 2020

This is an example of looking for a stat to defend your insane argument instead of using basic logic. The research team should have their degrees questioned.

— robinhoodtrader (@robinhoodtrade5) July 1, 2020

The lefty narrative gymnastics here is breathtaking. It should be an Olympic event really. ?

— DG (@7pints) July 1, 2020

You are an abomination and should be ashamed to publish such disgusting propaganda. Shame on you

— G.H. McHugh (@GHMcHugh) July 1, 2020

Tell that to Houston. Ridiculous.

— Wake Up Call ?? (@WakeUpCall58) July 2, 2020

This is a great example of don’t believe everything you read.

— digdugpacman (@digdugpacman) July 2, 2020

Running cover for the left as usual.

Somethings never change.

— @LOUBROWN89 (@LOUBROWN891) July 1, 2020

pic.twitter.com/7H2OiN4bg4

— Ethan Lindsey (@EthanLindsey90) July 1, 2020

I’m going to RT the dumbest article of 2020.

— Ray of Sunshine (@wuhanpangolin) July 1, 2020

I would immediately cancel my paper subscription, if I had one, immediately I saw this article. It goes to show how you have been lying to your readers. Shame on you to think we could be this stupid to believe this.

— cy_nuris (@Nuris01) July 1, 2020

pic.twitter.com/9NLEjMxgcV

— David Matthews (@DavidMa54041345) July 1, 2020

There may not be a better example of fake journalism and propaganda than this right here.

— OregonBroncFan (@azlinthelich) July 1, 2020

Oh FFS! Does anyone actually buy this insanity? Trying to turn riots into a good thing because it caused people to hide in fear?‍♀️

— Mrs. Stacey ? Piglet_Scooter #GodWins (@Piglet_scooter) July 1, 2020

Well, that is the stupidest thing I’ve read today.

— Beverly Twigg (@beverlytwigg) July 1, 2020

Ever read something so stupid it staggers you? Help me up..

— Socialism Kills (@ich1go) July 1, 2020

pic.twitter.com/3VGn6mCK44

— ?️‍? Rooftop AOC ?️‍? (@GreenNewMeals) July 1, 2020

Who wouldve known! The subject matter of your political ideology influences whether or not a plague will kill you. Of course because the BLM protesters are speaking magic words and the lockdown protesters aren't gotcha. WOW! This is the biggest piece of trash I've read all year.

— Wokeahontas (@Woke_a_hontas) July 2, 2020