In these times, the sight of a public gathering of hundreds of people mostly without face masks is alarming.
But that is exactly what is happening across the United States, as groups of Americans are taking to the streets in protest of lockdown orders aimed at limiting the spread of Covid-19.
Those taking to the streets say that the stringent measures restricting movement and businesses are unnecessarily hurting citizens.
Protesters say the stay-at-home measures imposed by state governments to control the spread of Covid-19 are an overreaction.
Some have also come bearing firearms as gun rights groups have been among the organisers, citing infringements on civil liberties.
Some also say keeping these restrictions in place too long will cause long-term damage to local economies.
Take a look.
Protestors hold banners and chant against state government measures intended to defend against the COVID-19 virus during an Open California rally in San Diego, California. San Diego County is lifting some ocean restrictions, including for swimmers, surfers, paddle-boarders and kayakers, but boating will remain off limits while piers, boardwalks and parking lots at beaches will stay closed, according to published reports. Photograph: Sean M Haffey/Getty Images
A protestor holds a sign against state government measures intended to defend against the COVID-19 virus during an Open California rally in San Diego, California. Photograph: Sean M Haffey/Getty Images
A fisherman takes part in a Lake Washington "Let Us Fish" protest and rally on Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington. The group is protesting Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations and Governor Inslees Stay Home, Stay Healthy order during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photograph: David Ryder/Getty Images
A woman holds a sign as family and people concerned about the safety and health of prison inmates during the coronavirus disease outbreak protest outside the Washington state capitol as efforts continue to slow the spread of coronavirus disease in Olympia, Washington. The protest of the stay-at-home order echoed similar demonstrations sweeping across statehouses around the nation. Photograph: Jason Redmond/Reuters
Protestors gather outside the El Paso County Court House during a rally calling for the reopening of El Paso and Texas. Photograph: Cengiz Yar/Getty Images
Protestors gather outside the Louisiana state capitol during a rally against Louisiana's stay-at-home order and economic shutdown in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Governor John Bell Edwards has said Louisiana’s high rate of COVID-19 infections and deaths does not position the state to quickly open back up. Photograph: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
The Louisiana protesters mentioned they are aware of the health risks that could come with reopening the economy too soon, but they say the financial risk with not opening is far greater. Photograph: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
A protester against the state's extended stay-at-home order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 demonstrates at the Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin. Photograph: Daniel Acker/Reuters
Demonstrators participate in a vehicle caravan with a sign reading 'Trust in God not vaccines' outside City Hall, calling on California officials to re-open the economy amidst the coronavirus pandemic in Los Angeles, California.A protest movement has sprung up in states across the country calling for an end to shelter-at-home orders. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images
A protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the state's extended stay-at-home order to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus disease at the Capitol building in Columbus, Ohio. Photograph: Seth Herald/Reuters
Demonstrators stand with a sign as they gather in opposition to Virginia's stay-at-home order and business closures in the wake of the coronavirus disease in Richmond, Virginia. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
