Demonstrators in at least 10 states across the country gathered on Friday to protest against stay-at-home orders and other emergency measures meant to blunt the coronavirus’s spread. The protests underscored how antsy some are getting to return to a sense of normalcy after the coronavirus, which has infected nearly 1.1 million people in America, shuttered businesses across an array of industries and pushed more than 30 million Americans into unemployment. Though some demonstrations were lightly attended, demonstrations occurred in state capitols and cities in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee and Washington. Demonstrators in at least 10 states across the country gathered on Friday to protest against stay-at-home orders and other emergency measures meant to blunt the coronavirus’s spread.
The protests underscored how antsy some are getting to return to a sense of normalcy after the coronavirus, which has infected nearly 1.1 million people in America, shuttered businesses across an array of industries and pushed more than 30 million Americans into unemployment. Though some demonstrations were lightly attended, demonstrations occurred in state capitols and cities in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee and Washington. Several protesters told local media that shutdown orders were imposing too great an economic burden after pushing many small businesses to shutter. “Businesses are suffering, unemployment checks are not being sent, landlords are not getting rent. We feel like these directives are causing more suffering than is necessary,” New Jersey protester Ayla Wolf told NJ.com.
Protesters were seen waving signs accusing their governors of trying to “ruin” their states and warning of “tyranny.” Yet despite the protests, several governors have said their decisions on when and how to reopen their states will be determined based on progress in the fight against the coronavirus and not be political. “I get the arguments,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). “This is not a political decision.” The demonstrators have gotten a boost of support in recent days as President Trump has voiced his backing for several of the protesters, tweeting Friday morning that those demonstrating in Michigan are “very good people, but they are angry.” –The Hill
Oklahoma City repeals mask requirement after customers threaten store employees
Officials in Stillwater, Okla., on Friday walked back a requirement that people wear face masks inside reopened stores and restaurants, citing threats of violence and physical abuse directed at employees. Mayor Will Joyce, an independent, amended his emergency declaration on the same day it took effect “in response to concerns voiced by business proprietors and citizens,” according to a news release. The anger directed toward store employees started in the first three hours businesses were open and included a threat of gun violence.
State and local governments have included a requirement that people wear masks in at least some circumstances as part of their reopening plans. In Stillwater, many people objecting to the mask requirement cited their belief that the rule is unconstitutional, City Manager Norman McNickle said in the news release and first reported by the Stillwater News Press. McNickle noted that a federal court in Oklahoma City dismissed a lawsuit challenging the city of Guthrie’s mask requirement. The judge ruled the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue but did not rule on the constitutionality of the mask requirement, court records show.
McNickle said wearing a mask is a minor inconvenience that protects the person wearing it and anyone they encounter. “The City of Stillwater has attempted to keep people safe by the simple requirement to wear a face covering to protect others,” McNickle wrote. “It is unfortunate and distressing that those who refuse and threaten violence are so self-absorbed as to not follow what is a simple show of respect and kindness to others.” McNickle said officials could not, in good conscience, put store and restaurant employees in danger. Stillwater’s stores are asked to at least encourage customers to wear masks, and specific businesses can choose to have more restrictive requirements. –Washington Post
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