Dozens protest shelter in place order in Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Dozens of protestors lined up along Del Monte Avenue, Friday. With them came American flags and signs that asked the government to re-open the country.

"This doesn't justify shutting down and people losing their business and livelihood," said participant, Peter Speciale.

Among the group were local business owners. They said they are facing financial hardship after weeks of keeping their doors shut, and possibly more to come.

"What do they want us to do? People are going without food. We don't have huge bank accounts," said Ginger Green, a hairstylist in Monterey.

213 Coronavirus cases have been reported by health officials in Monterey County. To them, it is a sign that the precautions taken are working. "We don't want to reverse course and have our numbers shoot up," said Monterey County Administrative Officer, Charles McKee.

McKee said restrictions were loosened under Monterey County's new shelter in place guidelines.

For some, it is not enough. "They've gone way overboard. We've had tremendous success in California. We've had especially good success in Monterey County. They're acting as if we haven't," said protest organizer, David Henderson.

Monterey County officials said if cases numbers stay low, they will be able to follow along with state guidelines to re-open.