In an act of protest similar to those taken by people across the country, this afternoon around 30 Humboldt residents gathered in front of the county courthouse to signal their anger over restrictions put in place by government officials to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Those in attendance solicited honks from passing motorists and waved signs, many commenting on the effect the shelter-in-place order has had on local businesses. Retired Eurekan Dave Franceschi called the restrictions an example of “government overreach” and said they’ve financially devastated many of his friends who “just want to go back to work.”  

“I think it’s important that we save the economy. That’s the lifeblood of our country,” Franceschi said. (Hear more from LoCO‘s chat with him in the clip below.)

When asked if there were any restrictive measures he’d support the government taking in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, a virus that, as of today, has claimed the lives of at least 50,000 Americans, Franceschi stood firm. 

“No, we don’t want the new normal. We want the old normal. This is America. It’s a free country,” he said before suggesting that “we should advise those who have compromised immune systems and are at risk to stay at home. And the rest of us should be able to go to work.”

And there’s more revolt where that came from, apparently. Franceschi said he and others who share his views are planning to stage another demonstration in front of the courthouse next week. 

[For more of LoCO’s coverage of the impacts of COVID-19 on Humboldt go here.]