ORCHARD PARK, NY (WKBW) — Business owners and their supporters lined Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park. They are enraged over New York's State decision to close and restrict businesses in order to control the spread of COVID-19.
Many of the protesters were at the gym Athletes Unleashed on Friday. That’s where a group of business owners forced Erie County health inspectors to leave.
“This is also about our freedom. Telling people they can have 10 people over their house on Thanksgiving. Come on, that's not freedom anymore,” said Dino Fudoli.
Most people 7 Eyewitness News spoke with at the protest say they understand the dangers of COVID-19. They believe the elderly and at-risk should stay home, while life continues as normal for everyone else.
"Ten thousand people at the mall over the weekend, but you can’t let two people come in for their haircuts. That’s kind of ridiculous,” said Stephen Jones.
The frustration will most likely continue. All signs point to stricter restrictions, as parts of Erie County moves closer to a Red Zone designation.
