COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Ohio Governor's stay-at-home order has been in place for weeks now, but for the first time on Thursday, protesters gathered at the statehouse to voice their opposition.
Between 50 and 100 people marched, held signs, and chanted as Governor Mike DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, Director of the Ohio Department of Health held their daily press conference.
At one point, the protesters could be heard in the room where DeWine and Acton were speaking.
Dr. Acton addressed their concerns, "People are worried. They are afraid. They're afraid about their jobs. I want you to know we are working just as hard on the recovery from this."
The governor's orders have left hundreds of thousands of Ohioans unemployed, which has also overrun the state's unemployment benefits system.
"I want you to know that every move we are making is based on the best science," Dr. Acton said. "We will not leave your side as we get through this journey ahead."
As of Thursday, just over 5,000 cases of coronavirus were reported in Ohio, with over 1,600 hospitalizations, and just over 200 deaths.
(photo courtesy ABC-6)