News Scientist warns Black Lives Matter protesters to social distance and wear face masks Professor John Edmunds gave advice ahead of planned demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in the US Share Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now Sign up to FREE email alerts from Mirror - The Coronavirus Briefing Subscribe When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

People planning to attend Blacks Lives Matter protests across the UK this weekend are being warned to wear face masks and observe social distancing rules.

Infectious diseases expert Professor John Edmunds gave advice ahead of planned demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in the US.

Professor Edmunds, who attends meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) supporting the Government, issued the warning comes after the UK's coronavirus death rate reached 40,000 yesterday.

He told Today: "I can understand why people would want to protest but on the other hand I think people need to be careful - very careful."

"If you think about it, overall the infection rate in the community is about 1 in 600, 1 in 700 maybe, so in large groups of individuals you would expect there to be some individuals in a large group who would be infectious." Protesters kneel in Trafalgar Square during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in London on Friday (Image: Getty Images) Read More

He said people can transmit coronavirus before displaying symptoms, and added: "Mask wearing would reduce the risk to some extent from individuals who may be infectious."

Protests are expected in London later this afternoon.

"We really need to get on top of these hospital outbreaks and epidemics," he said.

Priti Patel urged Black Live Matters protesters not to attend mass demonstrations this weekend at all due to the coronavirus threat. Professor John Edmunds gave advice ahead of planned demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in the US Protests have been held across the world since the death of George Floyd last month

The Home Secretary said people should not gather in groups larger than six - which is within the current guidelines - because Covid-19 "remains a real threat."

She wrote on Twitter : "Please for the safety of all of us, do not attend large gatherings - including protests - of more than six people this weekend.

"As Matt Hancock said, coronavirus remains a real threat and people must protect themselves and their families from this horrific disease."

Matt Hancock spoke about the heavily-attended protests at the No 10 briefing on Friday as he warned people coronavirus remains 'a real threat'. Police clash with protesters in London marching in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Protesters outside Lewisham Police Station after footage was posted of six officer restraining a woman nearby (Image: Getty Images)

He said: "Like so many I am appalled by the death of George Floyd and I understand why people are deeply upset but we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.

"The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease.

"So please for the safety of your loved ones do not attend large gatherings including demonstrations of more than six people."

His plea came hours after demonstrators got down on one knee for an anti-racism protest in London's Trafalgar Square. Video Loading Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now Protest leader Dee Ndlovu at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in central London on June 5 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The crowd took part in the tribute to Mr Floyd and observed social distancing rules by kneeling two metres apart in the shadow of Nelson's Column.

One placard held by a black woman read: "I am human that is enough."

Other banners held by the protesters, who came from different races, also said "white people must do more", "colour is not a crime" and "no justice no peace prosecute the police".

Police in Northern Ireland have announced they are conducting checks on roads and at transport hubs ahead of planned anti-racism protests in the country.

They said anyone travelling to take part in a demonstration can expect to be stopped, advised to return home and could face a fine or court appearance. George Floyd death