A woman leading a group of protesters in calling for the ease of Coronavirus restrictions in North Carolina, United States has now tested positive for the virus, Daily Mail reports.
Audrey Whitlock, the organiser of ReOpen North Carolina was unable to attend two rallies due to her two weeks self-quarantine.
Whitlock said;
I remained in isolation/self-quarantine at my home per the direction of my county health department. I have not attended any events for ReOpen NC.
While the organizer was in isolation, the group held two rallies in Raleigh demanding that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper speed up plans to lift the stay-at-home order, which is still in effect until May 8.
During their protests, the group crowded together, ignoring social distancing guidelines with most of them not wearing face masks.
Whitlock first revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 in a private post to the group’s Facebook page on Sunday.
Whitlock wrote in the message;
As an asymptomatic COVID19 positive patient (quarantine ends 4/26). Another concern I have is the treatment of COVID patients as it relates to other communicable diseases. I have been forced to quarantine in my home for 2 weeks.
She also complained that her “forced” self-quarantine violated her First Amendment rights of the United States saying;
The reality is that modern society has not been able to eradicate contagious viruses. A typical public health quarantine would occur in a medical facility.
I have been told not to participate in public or private accommodations as requested by the government, and therefore denied my 1st amendment right of freedom of religion.
Whitlock added;
It has been insinuated by others that if I go out, I could be arrested for denying a quarantine order.
There have been about 8,000 coronavirus cases in North Carolina with 300 deaths. However, the protest group, which boasts of 70,000 members, is calling for the lockdown to be lifted.
The group is made up of mostly business owners and employees that are losing income and “are denied right to provide for their families.”
ReOpen NC is promising to hold rallies every Tuesday until the governor’s restrictions are lifted.
