Originally Posted by rostasi

Yes, they were rising before Floyd's murder and after Abbott's directive.
Most of the protesters were wearing masks.
Tho not the ideal situation if you aren't wearing a mask outdoors, but still,
"fresh air dilutes the virus to a degree that transmission is much less"
and there's some slight evidence that direct exposure to sunlight kills the virus.

All of this is quite different than encouraging people to crowd into indoor tight situations -
misplacing capitalist concerns over public health and safety. So, yes, Abbott should take responsibility.