US, COVID-19 Lockdown Protest Spreads... "Lift the Lockdown"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Protests against lockdown measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are spreading across the United States. As more citizens lose their jobs due to prolonged lockdowns and opposition grows against what is seen as excessive government control suppressing freedom, the scale of the protests continues to increase.

According to local U.S. media such as The Washington Post (WP), on the 18th (local time), protests against social distancing and the closure of businesses and stores were organized across the country over the weekend. A group called "Reopen Maryland" held a drive-through protest near the Maryland State Capitol in Annapolis, the state capital, mourning the "death" of the Maryland they once knew in the form of a memorial service. Participants blocked roads and honked their horns. Jim Wors, chairman of the Prince George's County Republican Party in Maryland and organizer of the protest, argued that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan should not delay the scheduled lifting of lockdown measures set for next month.

In Wisconsin, protests against the lockdown order were held, with some participants not wearing masks or gloves. In Michigan, where the stay-at-home order was extended on the 15th, thousands drove vehicles in Lansing, the state capital, honking their horns and demanding the lifting of the lockdown. On the 16th, residents held a "picnic protest" in front of the Virginia governor's mansion, spreading out mats and eating food to urge the resumption of economic activities. In Huntington Beach, a beach city in California, hundreds marched in their cars on the 17th, demanding the restart of economic activities. Additionally, protests demanding economic reopening were held recently in Ohio, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Utah.

Similar protests are expected to continue. A group named "Freedom Despite All Risks" plans to hold a protest against the stay-at-home order at the Washington State Capitol on the 19th, and a car protest is scheduled in Arizona on the same day.

Some suggest that behind these organized protests are supporters of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. WP pointed out that after President Trump tweeted "Liberate" targeting three states?Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia?a quickly well-organized protest plan emerged, indicating ideological motivations at work.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.