Protest against virus restrictions held at Montana Capitol
Protesters gather outside the Montana State Capitol in Helena, Mont., Wednesday, May 20, 2020 criticizing Gov. Steve Bullock's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)
St. Peter's Health staff and nurses wave to a Montana Air National Guard C-130 as it flies over St. Peter's Health in Helena, Mont. Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The flight, which spanned most of western Montana, was conducted to show support to health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Armed demonstrators were among a group gathered at the Montana Capitol to protest the state government’s response to the coronavirus.
About 60 protesters convened outside the Capitol building in Helena Wednesday, The Independent Record reported.
Some demonstrators carried guns and others held signs, including many that referenced Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock.
Bullock enacted travel restrictions and a stay-at-home order March 28 in response to the spread of COVID-19.
Bullock lifted the stay-at-home order for individuals April 26 and for many nonessential businesses April 27 as part of a phased reopening plan, while keeping some social distancing requirements in place.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
