Large gatherings concern health officials fighting COVID-19

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Peaceful protests continue to grow on the Central Coast. On Tuesday, hundreds showed up for a rally at Monterey City Hall.

"The first thing is making sure that I'm safe. I need to have my mask and sanitizer," said a participant who wanted to remain anonymous.

Some are taking other precautions, as well. "We're kind of staying apart from the more crowded areas," said participant, Lynn Hamilton.

Health officials said safety measures like these should be taken seriously.

While rallying for change is important, Director of Emergency Services at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Carla Spencer, said the spread of COVID-19 has not gone away. "As things open up more people are going to be out and we expect that community spread is going to build," said Spencer.

Monterey County has seen a new spike in Coronavirus cases. On June 6, local health officials reported 62 new cases. That is the highest number of new cases in a single day for Monterey County.

With cases on the rise, Spencer recommends that those that are, or think they could be, sick to stay at home.

"If people are yelling or screaming they more they will aerosolize. When we talk about aerosolizing, we mean respiratory particles in the air. That's how people catch it," said Spencer.

Large gatherings like concerts and sporting events are still discouraged in Monterey County.

Protestors told KION that coming out for the cause is ultimately worth the risk. "I think this is beyond that. As long as I'm safe I can be apart of this," said a participant who wanted to remain anonymous.