Whether demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd wear masks or not, mass gatherings create an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission.<br />Now, Business Insider reports tear gas sprayed at protesters by the police could be making the spread of the novel coronavirus even worse.<br />Tear gas is a chemical agent that causes burning in the eyes, noses, throat, lungs, and skin, and makes people cough and retch.<br />If sprayed on an infected person, it could lead the virus to spread more quickly and widely.<br />Some studies have also shown that after tear-gas exposure, people are more likely to be diagnosed with respiratory illnesses.
