Healthcare workers counter State House protest to reopen economy
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – “Knock it off” has become Governor Raimondo’s signature phrase encouraging people to follow social distancing.
But on Saturday, a group of about 100 protesters from the group “Rhode Islanders Against Excessive Quarantine” made signs throwing that phrase right back at her. They gathered for about three hours in front of the State House to say they’ve had enough of the restrictions, and that it’s time to reopen the economy.
“I want to get back to normal, said Amber Salvatore of East Greenwich. “and I feel like without a normal routine it’s hard for us to stay sane.”
Many at the protest were concerned about the economic impact.
“The cure is worse than the disease,” said Lora Marci, East Greenwich. “We need to get back, we need to be back outside, we need to start to get into our daily routines with these kids. We know what the disease can do to us, and we know enough to go out with our masks on.”
But a group of silent counterprotesters, medical professionals in scrubs, say they truly know what the disease can do to us.
“They just think it’s a free-for-all, and I’m going in for $16.50 an hour, risking my life,” said Kelly Lepage, an emergency room tech who graduates nursing school in just a couple weeks.
She says she understands people are making sacrifices, but that it’s the only way to keep the outbreak under control.
“I love my job and I’ll keep doing it,” said Lepage. “But I would like for America to help us while we try to help you.”
And she says another way to help is to show trust and empathy.
“They’re not bringing bodies to trailers,” Lepage said. “They’re not taking care of these people that can’t touch their families’ hands. They’re not there. They don’t see what we see. It’s very hard. I really wish they understood that we are trying our best to keep America safe.”
The stay-at-home order is currently scheduled to last until May 8th. Governor Raimondo has indicated she would ideally like to see a decline in cases and hospitalizations before reopening.
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2020
