SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — After a weekend of protests over California's stay-at-home orders around the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he understands frustrations, but is not ready to lift restrictions due to the coronavirus.
Monday, Newsom said protesters are free to demonstrate their frustrations, but pleaded that they do so while social distancing for the sake of public health.
"If you're going to protest, practice physical distancing. If you're going to protest and express your right to free speech, do so in a way that protects not only your health, but the health of others. I deeply understand people's anxieties," Newsom said. "But we must have a health-first focus if we're ultimately going to come back economically.
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"The worst mistake we can make is making a precipitous decision based on politics and frustration that puts peoples' lives at risk and ultimately sets back the cause of economic growth and economic recovery."
Newsom cited Singapore and other cities around the world that re-opened and saw restrictions needed again due to the coronavirus' spread.
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Over the weekend, a few demonstrations in San Diego saw protesters gather to call for an end to the state's stay-at-home orders. Many demonstrators called for non-essential businesses, and parks and beached to be reopened.
Several counties in the state have recently started to discuss strategies for re-opening local economies. Newsom said whatever orders local governments make cannot go further backward than the state's directives.