US protest for people 'sick and tired' of coronavirus lockdown
Lansing: Hundreds of flag-waving, honking protesters have shown their displeasure with Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders to keep people at home and businesses locked during the coronavirus outbreak.
As snow fell, some got out of their vehicles and raised signs, one of which read, "Gov. Whitmer we are not prisoners".
The "Operation Gridlock" protest was organised by the Michigan Conservative Coalition.
"This arbitrary blanket spread of shutting down businesses, about putting all of these workers out of business, is just a disaster. It's an economic disaster for Michigan," coalition member Meshawn Maddock said. "And people are sick and tired of it."
Whitmer, a Democrat, extended a stay-home order until April 30 and has shut down schools and businesses deemed non-essential.
Sick and tired: protesters gather at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan.Credit:AP
The governor acknowledged the pain but said the restrictions were necessary to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 1900 Michigan residents and overwhelmed hospitals in the Detroit area.
Whitmer said she was "really disappointed" to see protesters close together without masks.
"We know that this rally endangered people. This kind of activity will put more people at risk and, sadly, it could prolong the amount of time we have to be in this posture."
Four state sheriffs called Whitmer's orders a "vague framework of emergency laws" that are frustrating citizens.
County Sheriff Mike Borkovich said people were frantic to get back to work.
"We're trying to keep the peace with people. ... The economy is coming apart in northern Michigan. People are upset".
AP