More than 1,200 public health experts gave the green light to protesters to flout social distancing regulations and other anti-coronavirus measures in a letter Wednesday despite apparent evidence that COVID-19 spreads easily in large groups.

In an open letter, the public health officials declared COVID-19 a pandemic but said that protesting the issues of “white supremacy” and police brutality was important enough to risk becoming ill with the virus.

“White supremacy is a lethal public health issue that predates and contributes to COVID-19,” the group, led by infectious disease experts from the University of Washington wrote, per National Public Radio.

There is no doubt, though, that large gatherings put attendees at risk for coronavirus, at least according to public health officials who spoke out against large gatherings in March, April, and May, and demanded strict lockdown to slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus.