Dozens defy social distancing measures at Cape Cod rally, call for reopening of economy

BOURNE, Mass. — Despite Public Health Advisories and state-wide warnings to stay at home, dozens of people gathered for a rally at the Cape Cod rotary in Bourne on Sunday, calling for the reopening of the economy.

The event was held from 1-3 p.m. in defiance of the governor’s order banning gatherings of more than 10 people through May 4.

Health officials have advised that this could perpetuate the spread of COVID-19.

“We need to follow the president’s and the task forces’ guidelines for opening the economy,” said Keith Lambert, owner of New England For Trump. “It needs to happen fairly quick so that people can get back to working and supporting their families. And as you can see, with so many people out here, people are tired of being cooped up inside.”

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Lambert chose to wear a face mask and gloves and spoke with Boston-25 from a safe distance. Many others, however, did not wear any face coverings or practice social distancing.

“Yeah, they probably should have kept their 6-[feet] apart, but I can’t control what people do and nor can you,” he said.

When asked if he was concerned about the lack of face masks, Lambert was wary.

“Yah a little bit. I mean, that’s why we have masks. We were trying to give people – I was giving people masks, and making sure that they had masks on and trying to keep a distance,” he said.

Still, he and others advocated that people need to go back to work. Many people stood on the side of the road holding flags in support of President Donald Trump.

Numerous signs were put in the grass, some reading, ‘Reopen Cape Cod,’ ‘Reopen America’ and ‘Reopen our churches.’ An armored truck was also on display, adorned with the president’s re-election campaign merchandise and other flags.

Barnstable County Commissioner Ronald Beaty posted to his Twitter and Facebook accounts Sunday, stating that he was also at the rally and supported the economic re-opening of Cape Cod.

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While there were no counter-protestors seen, many took to social media to express outrage over people pushing back on health and safety guidelines that are currently advised by the state.

For more information about COVID-19 in Massachusetts and guidelines set forth by Governor Charlie Baker, click here.

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