Protesters gathered Thursday in front of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond demanding that the state be reopened.
Virginians protesting stay-at-home orders due to coronavirus are following the lead of other protesters around the country. This week, protests occurred outside state capitols in Michigan, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
In North Carolina Tuesday, protesters were threatened and arrested by police, while in Michigan, there were protests against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdown orders Wednesday.
Local news outlet WFXR reports that three groups, End The Lockdown VA, Virginians Against Excessive Quarantine, and ReOpen Virginia, were involved in the “Reopen Virginia” demonstration.
“This is a recipe for disaster with many in our society helpless. We cannot stand by and watch our neighbors suffer while the government considers prolonging these painful conditions,” a press release for the demonstration reads.
“The economy should be reopened on 5/1 for healthy citizens continuing enhanced sanitation habits to prevent any virus from spreading. Those with compromised immune systems should not have to re-enter the economy or workforce if they do not feel comfortable.”
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Protesters held a number of signs, indicating their dislike of the shutdown orders.
“Reopen VA,” one man’s sign simply read.
A demonstrator holds a sign in opposition to Virginia’s stay-at-home order and business closures in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak during a protest against the lockdown measures in Richmond, Virginia, U.S., REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
“My body my choice to work,” one woman’s sign read, a play on words of the pro-choice slogan, “My body, my choice.”
Demonstrators stand with a sign as they gather in opposition to Virginia’s stay-at-home order and business closures in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, during a small protest against the lockdown measures in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
“We will not comply,” another woman’s sign read.
A protestor carries a sign reading “We Will Not Comply” during a demonstration outside the Virginia State Capitol. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
“End the shut down,” another protester’s sign reads.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Zach Gibson/Getty Images
“Ruining lives with lies! Borderline tyranny!” another woman’s sign read.
Zach Gibson/Getty Images
“8.6 million Virginians vs. 1 Tyrant,” one sign read.
“The odds are not in your favor.”
Zach Gibson/Getty Images
“Check the Facts: #s don’t add up!”
“Constitutional rights are being violated,” another message read.
Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images
“STOP the MADNESS! It is just a COLD VIRUS!” one man’s sign read.
“End the shutdown for the GOOD of us ALL!”
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Police were close by as well, and were apparently urging protesters to keep distance from each other to prevent spreading the virus.
A Virginia Capitol Police officer keeps watch from a safe distance as demonstators gather. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
A police officer asks demonstrators to spread out as they gather in opposition to Virginia’s stay-at-home order and business closures in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, during a protest against the lockdown measures in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Two Virginia State Troopers stand behind a bed of flowers guarding the Virginia State Capitol. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Police urge protesters to spread out during a rally against stay-at-home orders related to the coronavirus pandemic at Capitol Square in Richmond, Virginia on April 16, 2020. RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images
RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump has reportedly been considering specific plans to reopen the economy this week, and will be making an announcement later Thursday. (RELATED: REPORT: Coronavirus Came From Wuhan Laboratory, Part Of China Trying To ‘Compete’ With America)