Protesters opposing RI’s pause march in front of Governor Raimondo’s home

“We’re gym owners, and although we’re here to really push that gyms are essential and gyms are helping people in a number of ways, we’re here to really support all small business.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – A group of protesters marched in front of Gov. Gina Raimondo’s house in opposition of the pause on Sunday.

The protest took place during Gov. Raimondo’s self-quarantine, after Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.

Nearly two dozen protesters walked along the sidewalk in front of her home with signs, while chanting “make gyms essential” around 2 p.m.

“We’re out here, because, you know, we have nothing else to do. We would be serving our community,” one of the organizers told ABC 6 News. “We’re gym owners, and although we’re here to really push that gyms are essential and gyms are helping people in a number of ways, we’re here to really support all small business.”

The pause, which began on Nov. 30 and keeps gyms in the state closed, was extended until Dec. 21 on Thursday.

Protesters told ABC 6 News they planned to be back out in front of Gov. Raimondo’s home, but didn’t have a date set.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020