28.07.2020
2 min read

Doctor urges activists not to attend Black Lives Matter Protest due to COVID risk

Australian Indigenous Doctors Association President Dr Kris Rallah-Baker says activists could be putting vulnerable communities at risk.

Indigenous Doctor Says BLM Protest Shouldn't Go Ahead

Activists have been warned they could spark a devastating wave of coronavirus cases through vulnerable Indigenous communities if a controversial Black Lives Matter protest goes ahead.

On Monday authorities successfully sought a Supreme Court ban on the rally, but organisers insist they will push ahead regardless, ignoring pleas from politicians and public health experts.

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More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the demonstration in Sydney on Tuesday to protest racism and Indigenous deaths in custody.

Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) President Dr Kris Rallah-Baker told Sunrise that though he believes attendees have the best intentions, they could actually be putting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders they’re advocating for at risk.

“We support the principals, it’s the application of the principals that’s in question,” he said on Tuesday.

“The priority for AIDA is to ensure there is minimal spread of the COVID-19 virus through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

“Certainly for those individuals who are attending the protest today, we encourage them to remember there is the significant risk of exposure.”

New South Wales recorded 17 new cases of coronavirus on Monday.

Eight of those were diagnosed in hotel quarantine, seven linked to known outbreaks and two are under investigation.

“AIDA recognises the need for the issues behind Black Lives Matter, but we’d also like the protesters to understand the need not only to look after their own health and safety but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our elders and the holders of our culture,” Dr Rallah-Baker warned.

A spokesperson for NSW Police said of the planned protest: “Police will not hesitate to take the appropriate action, if required.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian repeated the warning, saying police will arrest people if they have to.

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