Woman who organised US anti-lockdown protests tests positive for coronavirus

Anti-lockdown protests have been sweeping the US and while they’ve garnered the support of the likes of president Trump (known for his great judgement), experts have caused them a massive risk.

Epidemiologists have even warned they could cause a new surge of coronavirus cases.

And it seems as if one protest organiser has found out the consequences the hard way.

North Carolina resident Audrey Whitlock, a moderator of the Facebook page for “Reopen NC” has missed the two of the groups rallies in Raleigh, reports NBC.

The reason? She’s got coronavirus and is quarantining.

In a private Facebook post reported by Raleigh News and Observer, Whitlock outlined the events leading up to her diagnosis.

When they started doing antibody testing (select labs) I went and had one done just out of curiosity to see if what I had in Feb was COVID. 

The test came back positive for COVID and negative for the antibodies, so I had a CDC test performed.

So this testing and tracing that Cooper is talking about, I have first hand experience that it did not exist in my case.

After an abundance of caution I notified my primary care physician who advised me on what to do, and I have been in my house ever since!

She also said she experienced symptoms including coughing and “gasping for air”.

In another Facebook post Whitlock also complained that the quarantine infringed on her civil rights.

I have been told not to participate in public or private accommodations as requested by the government, and therefore denied my 1st amendment right of freedom of religion.

If I were an essential employee, I would be denied access to my job by my employer and the government, though compensated, those with other communicable diseases are afforded the right to work. It has been insinuated by others that if I go out, I could be arrested for denying a quarantine order.

However, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination by employers, places of public accommodation, and state and local government entities. . Where do we draw the line?

However, it’s been confirmed that despite her objections, Whitelock has observed the rules thus far.

"She never left her house during her quarantine, so she has not been at any rally or any of the functions that we've done,” fellow organiser Ashley Smith told NBC.

Originally Whitlock announced her quarantine was over on Sunday and she would be appearing at a Tuesday rally.

But she subsequently appeared to change her mind and didn’t appear at the demonstration, which was attended by over 200 people and faced a counter protest by healthcare workers.

“I remained in isolation/self-quarantine at my home per the direction of my county health department. I have not attended any events for ReOpen NC,” Whitlock told local news organisation WFAE.

Probably for the best, given fellow organiser Smith was arrested at the event.