Charleston residents can expect a full weekend of protests as Back the Blue supporters and counter-protesters meet on the square less than 24 hours after a Black Lives Matter walk on Eastern’s campus.

These two sides have been hotly and publicly debated for much of 2020, but we at the Daily Eastern News have some guidelines for how to stay safe while protesting on either side.

1. Maintain social distancing. While strength in numbers might be a great way to get a point across, sharing COVID-19 isn’t as effective.

2. Wear masks. Have concern for those who may be immunocompromised or in high-risk groups.

3. Use hand sanitizer often. Protests usually occur outside, so sinks for handwashing may not be easily accessible.

4. De-escalate situations. Physical attacks will do little to change anyone’s mind, and your safety is always more important.

5. Plan ahead. Bring water, snacks, sunglasses and hats because it may be hot outside.

6. Film and photograph any conflict. Having a reliable account of serious situations may be very important later on.

Protesting, just like almost everything else, works a little bit differently during a pandemic, but remember the situations that protesters have dealt with all summer.

These activists were not trained or taught how to protest, but they decided to utilize their 1st Amendment rights as regular citizens of the United States.

On top of basic supplies, many protesters had to wear gas masks, goggles, borderline disguises and other protective clothing.

Many became street medics, strategists, organizers and speakers overnight.

Many were sent to hospitals to deal with injuries from rubber bullets and tear gas.

This weekend, Charleston residents can expect to be protected by simple cloth face coverings, hand sanitizer, and the local police force.