Protesters gathered Thursday in front of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond demanding that the state be reopened.

Virginians protesting stay-at-home orders due to coronavirus are following the lead of other protesters around the country. This week, protests occurred outside state capitols in Michigan, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

In North Carolina Tuesday, protesters were threatened and arrested by police, while in Michigan, there were protests against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdown orders Wednesday.

Local news outlet WFXR reports that three groups, End The Lockdown VA, Virginians Against Excessive Quarantine, and ReOpen Virginia, were involved in the “Reopen Virginia” demonstration.

“This is a recipe for disaster with many in our society helpless. We cannot stand by and watch our neighbors suffer while the government considers prolonging these painful conditions,” a press release for the demonstration reads.

“The economy should be reopened on 5/1 for healthy citizens continuing enhanced sanitation habits to prevent any virus from spreading. Those with compromised immune systems should not have to re-enter the economy or workforce if they do not feel comfortable.”

PHOTOS:

Protesters held a number of signs, indicating their dislike of the shutdown orders.

“Reopen VA,” one man’s sign simply read.

“My body my choice to work,” one woman’s sign read, a play on words of the pro-choice slogan, “My body, my choice.”

“We will not comply,” another woman’s sign read.

“End the shut down,” another protester’s sign reads.

“Ruining lives with lies! Borderline tyranny!” another woman’s sign read.

“8.6 million Virginians vs. 1 Tyrant,” one sign read.

“The odds are not in your favor.”

“Check the Facts: #s don’t add up!”

“Constitutional rights are being violated,” another message read.

“STOP the MADNESS! It is just a COLD VIRUS!” one man’s sign read.

“End the shutdown for the GOOD of us ALL!”

Police were close by as well, and were apparently urging protesters to keep distance from each other to prevent spreading the virus.

President Donald Trump has reportedly been considering specific plans to reopen the economy this week, and will be making an announcement later Thursday. (RELATED: REPORT: Coronavirus Came From Wuhan Laboratory, Part Of China Trying To ‘Compete’ With America)