CDC says protests may be a “seeding event”

(KYMA, KECY, CNN)- If you've marched in any recent protests, you may want to consider getting tested for the coronavirus.

That's the recommendation of the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who said during a House Appropriations hearing on Thursday that anyone who participated should "highly consider" getting tested."

I do think there is a potential, unfortunately, for this to be a seeding event," Dr. Robert Redfield said during Thursday's hearing on the coronavirus response.

He said the risk of infection is higher in major cities where there's been significant transmission.

To prevent transmission, Redfield suggested people who attend protests tell their loved ones that they were out in public and get tested within 3 to 7 days.

The CDC director also pointed to the use of tear gas by police as something that may help the virus spread.