Despite stay-at-home orders, protesters gather regionally

According to Associated Press reports, thousands of people gathered in Olympia, WA on Sunday, April 19 to protest Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order designed to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Protesters could be seen holding signs that read “End the Shutdown” and “Give Me Liberty or Give me Covid 19”.

In nearby Richland, WA, the Tri-Cities Herald and YakTriNews.com reported that hundreds of protestors of all ages lined George Washington Way in front of John Dam Plaza with signs, American flags, and bullhorns. Hundreds of protestors also gathered at the Columbia Point Marina in Richland on Saturday, April 18 to protest Washington state’s ban on fishing.

Gov. Inslee’s March 23, Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation  applies to private and public gatherings. These include some of the most deeply meaningful gatherings in communities, such as weddings and funerals. Inslee said it’s crucial to reduce social interactions where this highly contagious virus can spread.

The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America as well as the Center for Disease Control continue to advise Americans to avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people, and to avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits. The guidelines also instruct the public to follow the directions of state and local authorities. (whitehouse.gov, coronavirus.gov)

As of 5 p.m. on April 21, there were 12,282 cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, with 37 confirmed cases in Walla Walla County. The city of Walla Walla has 21 confirmed cases, Burbank/Wallula and College Place each have seven cases, and there are two cases in Prescott.