Hundreds opposed to Oregon's stay-at-home order demonstrated at the state Capitol on Saturday as health officials announced dozens more cases and five additional deaths from COVID-19.
Most of the protesters did not wear face masks, but they waved American flags and Trump campaign signs in the rain. Other signs read Reopen Oregon and Let me earn a living.
A group of healthcare workers demonstrated at the top of the Capitol steps, urging a phased plan to ease the state's social distancing requirements.
Most of the other protesters ignored them.
Public health officials say stay-at-home orders are essential for slowing the transmission of the novel coronavirus. But protest organizers told The Oregonian/OregonLive that they view the social distancing mandates issued by Gov. Kate Brown as government overreach.
Since mid-March, Brown's orders have closed many businesses, put some parks and campgrounds off limits, and required public schools to adopt distance learning programs.
You can't just place citizens under house arrest and enforce those orders, event organizer Adam Ellifritt said.
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