On Facebook, the group said it demands officials reopen NC “no later than April 29,” as it is “losing our small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy,” adding that the shutdown is “not warranted, nor sustainable for our area.” The group, which currently has 33,031 members said, “The vulnerable can be isolated or protected in other ways, without sacrificing our entire state economy,” and noted that “several other states have not enacted stay-at-home orders.”
“In these unprecedented times and unusual circumstances, both the governor and the county have declared a state of emergency. Under these current and temporary declarations, protesting is not listed as an essential function,” they continued.
“The Wake County District Attorney is the individual who decides charging language for failure to adhere to the governor’s orders and the Wake County Proclamation, when charging is appropriate, and what charges individuals may face for violating either one of these orders. However, as a law enforcement agency, the Raleigh Police Department is bound to carry out the regulations stipulated in the Executive Order and the Wake County Proclamation. But more important is the health and wellness of all who live in our community, including the officers who must engage in circumstances such as these. We simply want everyone to be safe during this very serious public health crisis.”
Cooper added that “our biggest enemy is complacency,” and “the better we can be at staying home through April, the more likely we will be able to ease restrictions.”
As of April 15, there are 5,133 confirmed cases of the CCP virus in North Carolina and 113 people have died from the virus, which causes the disease COVID-19.