NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On the same day restaurants reopened for din-in, more than 100 protesters gathered outside the Tennessee state capitol to protest the COVID-19 shutdown.
Many protesters said they wanted the state to open up immediately from the coronavirus lockdown, allowing businesses and life to start again. The #FreeTN rally started at 11 Monday morning.
"I think it's a real thing. Absolutely. People are dying, but people die of the flu as well. I just don't see the hysteria and the shut downs. The numbers don't support it," said Sarah Latch. Latch brought her three children to the protest and said her husband was on of the event organizers.
"We are not in favor of the governor's plan. Open up completely, no phases. Let people do what they want and screen them," she said.
Few, if any, of the protesters wore masks or protective equipment of any kind. They stood side-by-side on the city streets against the wishes of the governor, doctors and Nashville Mayor John Cooper.
"I understand that people have their fears and their concerns but they are free to stay at home. A lot of people weren't free to shut down their businesses. They've been forced to put people out of work," said John Allen.
Some believed the lockdown is unconstitutional and the state shouldn't be allowed to tell businesses they have to close.
Protesters were shown support by passing drivers who honked in support.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
