Mass. protesters demand nonessential businesses to reopen

May 5, 2020 Michael US 0

Demonstrators display flags and placards during a protest, Monday, May 4, 2020, in front of the Statehouse, in Boston. Protesters gathered in front of the Statehouse Monday to protest restrictions on movement and businesses prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:08 AM PT — Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Hundreds of Massachusetts residents are protesting the state’s lockdown. More than 500 protesters came together at the statehouse in Boston Monday, where they called on Gov. Charlie Baker (R) to reopen non-essential businesses.

Gov. Baker said he agrees with experts who say a downward trend in coronavirus cases and deaths are needed before the state can reopen. However, some residents believe it’s unfair for bigger businesses to be open while some small businesses remain closed.

“Unless I’m a big corporation and unless I’m a big donor to these people, I can’t open my business…I can’t do what I wanna do,” expressed one demonstrator. “I can’t make my own decisions.”

#BREAKING Protesters taking to the streets outside of the Massachusetts State House calling for the Governor to reopen the state, protesting the stay at home advisory. Some also appear to be protesting the mask mandate that takes effect on Wednesday #7News pic.twitter.com/hRHMopJlcB

— Mike Fahey (@michaelefahey) May 4, 2020

The governor said he’s weeks away from announcing a reopening plan. His order closing down non-essential businesses is expected to expire on May 18.

“All of this misery, all of this economic devastation, all of these violations of our fundamentals rights and civil liberties — for what? For a lousy virus.” — Unnamed Boston protester

A demonstrator displays a placard during a protest, Monday, May 4, 2020, in front of the Statehouse, in Boston. Protesters gathered in front of the Statehouse Monday to protest restrictions on movement and businesses prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)