These guidelines were produced for demonstrations in Ecuador, but are useful everywhere.
We must take care of each other while the national government and the legislature — in alliance with the Chambers of Commerce, the banks, and big capital — obey the mandates of the International Monetary Fund but violate the rights of the people. We take care of each other and take to the streets to demand dignity and health without fear. We take to the streets in a state of emergency.
IN THE STREETS
Keep two meters apart… Always. Always.
Avoid physical contact. Greet each other from afar.
Wear masks
Wear surgical masks, home-made cloth masks, or scarfs or bandanas. Conserve N95 masks for health workers.If they attack with tear gas, don’t touch your face.
Do not remove your mask.
Never touch your eyes.
Wear protective face shields against the virus and against pepper/tear gas sprayed at your face. Face shields can be easily made from large clear plastic soda bottles cut in half. See instructions here. If you do not have a face shield, wear glasses or goggles.
Bring alcohol for hand sanitizing.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, comfortable shoes.
Wear a hat, tie hair back.
AFTER THE MARCH
When you get home, remove your gloves, mask, clothing and supplies and leave them outside or in a closed bag to be disinfected or disposed of.
Clean your cellphones upon returning home too. They are the most used, touched, breathed-upon things we all carry.
Wash your hands and bathe.
Wash your clothes in hot water.
THIS IS A PEACEFUL PROTEST!
Use your cellphone to film and broadcast the march.
Demand that the police maintain their distance: 2 meters/6 feet apart. Demand they identify themselves. Don’t let them touch your cell phone or your identity documents; the police have high rates of COVID infection.
Don’t get arrested. The jails are high-risk places for COVID.
Don’t give in.
In case of arrest, shout your name so others know you have been taken. Demand the right to contact family, friends, a lawyer. Write the legal support phone number on your arm in case your phone or papers are lost or taken by the police.
Organize teams of street medics who have or receive medical training for emergencies. They can carry supplies (gloves, masks, sanitizer, eye wash, bandages) in backpacks marked with a red cross and help treat people while protecting themselves and others.
TOGETHER WE CAN CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND DEFEND OUR HEALTH AND DIGNITY, WITHOUT FEAR.
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