Anti-Vaccine Activists Protest Against Vaccine Mandates

Washington, DC was the recent setting for anti-vaccine activists who gathered to oppose vaccine mandates, vaccinations for children, and other pandemic restrictions and requirements. 

This activist gathering follows the implementation of a new rule which requires Washington DC-based businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms, nightclubs, and entertainment venues to check if patrons 12 years and older show vaccination certification. Those who had not received their first vaccination dose would be denied entry.  

With this, protestors decried federal health officials and prominent public figures who have pushed vaccinations and associated mandates.

“Defeat the Mandates: An American Homecoming”

Following the filing of a permit with the National Park Service, a crowd of a few thousand gathered at the “Defeat the Mandates: An American Homecoming.” 

The mandate has caused outrage. Firefighters, teachers, first responders, anti-vaccine activists, doctors, and some of the biggest names in the anti-vaccine movement joined the protest. Starting at National Mall, the protestors walked from the Washington Monument to Lincoln Memorial.  

The demonstrators sported far-right and pro-Trump memorabilia and apparel. Some drew comparisons between the vaccine and the Holocaust. Some signs referenced biblical passages and Christian figures.  

No arrests or police reports were noted during the protest.  

Claims Over COVID Vaccinations 

At the rally, protestors made many claims about vaccinations for children, pandemic restrictions, and requirements. 

Protestors claimed that the vaccination did not work against the virus and that, according to news sources, protestors feel they are “lab rats.” Another claim made was that COVID is a scam and that the vaccination did not protect the elderly and frail.  

It is advised that during a time of protests, speculation, and truth, the public turn to authoritative, reputable news sites and health authorities, including the World Health Organization. 

In an act against vaccinations, protestors avoided the wearing of masks. 

How Long Does Omicron Last On Surfaces And In The Air?

Most of the individuals gathering at the protest were unmasked, asking the question, ‘How long does Omicron last on surfaces and in the air?’

According to a recent journal, “The use of a mask is not so much a choice as a necessity (or at least a fact that should be acknowledged by the protesters) which draws our attention to rethink  some protest tactics vocabulary and classifications.” 

“High-risk protest actions under threats of infection require a different approach, just as a traditional demonstration, conducted in violation of social distancing regulations and at the risk of others, can probably no longer be described as nonviolent action.”

 According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people do not need to wear masks outdoors, but masks are recommended if they are not up to date with COVID vaccines. 

For those taking an anti-vaccine stance, it is important not to follow the protestor’s actions in avoiding masks. CDC recommends the following:

• Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID, and it is essential to remember that any mask is better than no mask.
• To protect yourself and others from COVID, CDC recommends that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
• Masks and respirators effectively reduce transmission of COVID when worn consistently and correctly.
• Some masks and respirators offer higher levels of protection than others, and some may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others. It is most important to correctly wear a well-fitted mask or respirator that is comfortable for you and provides good protection.
• While all masks and respirators offer some level of protection, properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of security. Wearing a highly protective mask or respirator may be most important for certain higher-risk situations or by some people at increased risk for severe disease.
• CDC’s mask recommendations provide information that people can use to improve how well their masks protect them.

Protest At A Time Of New Omicron Wave 

The protest occurs as most of the U.S. is currently experiencing a new wave in COVID cases, fueled by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. According to health data from the CDC, the U.S. now has a total death rate of 862,494. 

In the future, high-risk protest actions under the threat of infection may result in the medicalization of political contention. Therefore, should more protests arise, the protestors need to adhere to health and safety measures, wearing masks, and social distancing, even if they feel otherwise.