Protesters at Capitol demand reopening

CHEYENNE — A large crowd of protesters gathered at the front steps of the Wyoming State Capitol on Monday to demand a full reopening of businesses, schools and other industries that have temporarily closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rally, one of several that have taken place across the country during the past week, drew more than 100 people.

Though a statewide public health order has banned gatherings of 10 or more people, the leaders of the rally obtained an expedited permit from city officials Monday morning to allow them to peacefully protest.

Wyoming had 317 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 170 had recovered, and two confirmed deaths related to the virus, as of Monday afternoon. The state Department of Health also reported 111 probable cases, of which 67 had recovered.

The crux of the protesters’ arguments was the societal costs of the closures, such as skyrocketing unemployment and uncertain child care situations, outweigh their public health benefits.

Fred Schlachter, a Cheyenne resident whose wife helped organize the rally, said he would like Gov. Mark Gordon to reopen the state “today or tomorrow.”

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