Social Distancing At Elmhurst Protest?

ELMHURST, IL — In response to the Black Lives Matter protests in Elmhurst and La Grange this week, some wondered online about whatever happened to social distancing. Big crowds, they said, seemed to contradict the importance of stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

But social distancing appeared to be on the minds of protesters in both Elmhurst and La Grange. In both protests, most of the participants wore face masks. And one of the organizers in Elmhurst told his fellow protesters repeatedly that it was important to spread out to all four corners of an intersection to promote social distancing.

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When the governor loosened his stay-at-home order last week, many appeared to become more relaxed about social distancing requirements. But people are still required to wear masks in stores, among other places. And many workers are required to have them on.

At the Elmhurst and La Grange protests, practically all police officers went maskless, despite the majority's preference for them. At the La Grange demonstration, though, Cook County sheriff's deputies, who were helping with security, had masks on.

After the Elmhurst demonstration, a reader took a Patch reporter to task for not wearing a mask. "This reporter was not wearing a mask and getting very close to protesters. Total disregard for safety and pandemic measures. That was very irresponsible and unprofessional of you," the reader said.

The reporter wore one at the La Grange protest, including the march.

Wearing a mask has become a political issue. Although President Donald Trump is on record recommending the use of masks, he has declined to wear one publicly. He also retweeted a comment criticizing his presumptive Democratic rival, Joe Biden, for wearing one.