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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A group of demonstrators gathered outside of the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday to protest against the state’s efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The protesters carried signs with messages directed at Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.

Big protest happening outside the #Ohio Statehouse. Protestors angry with @GovMikeDeWine and Dr. Amy Acton’s actions during the #COVID19 pandemic. Many say DeWine and Acton don’t have the power to shut down businesses. pic.twitter.com/M2Vsscj8qF — Ben Schwartz (@Ben_Schwartz24) April 9, 2020

Dozens of protesters are chanting outside the @MikeDeWine daily #COVID19 press conference at the @OhioStatehouse, objecting to the stay-at-home and other orders. Details coming at @daytondailynews pic.twitter.com/sD2VN2lknq — Laura Bischoff (@lbischoff) April 9, 2020

While I’m inside, protestors outside. About 100 marched past @OhioStatehouse, chanting “Open Ohio.” Signs reading “Quarantine Worse Than Coronavirus.” Followed by a guy yelling into megaphone about scripture. Not sure if it’s 1 protest or 2. pic.twitter.com/3NYWitgl3E — Tom Bosco (@tomwsyx6) April 9, 2020

Shouts from the protesters were acknowledged by Dr. Acton and heard through the daily update on cases of the coronavirus in Ohio.

Gov. DeWine, Dr. Acton provide update to coronavirus cases in Ohio https://bit.ly/2XjzQ0B Posted by Cleveland 19 News on Thursday, April 9, 2020

Dr. Acton and the Governor both said they understand that the statewide orders have been challenging adjustments for Ohioans, but they added that the decisions were made based on what is best for the health safety of residents.

“If we don’t hang in there, if we don’t keep doing what we are doing, it’s going to cost a lot of lives,” Gov. DeWine stated.

.@DrAmyActon: This is a hard mountain to climb. It is an arduous climb up this mountain and we have done this together. But the decent is challenging too. Every move we're making is based on the best science, and we will not leave you as we get you through this journey. pic.twitter.com/qQR6Qr6HS5 — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) April 9, 2020

The journey is like a mountain range. We're reaching a peak. We'll be seeing more deaths. We will escort you carefully to recovery, but we must do it responsibly. #InThisTogetherOhio #StayHomeOhio — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) April 9, 2020

Gov. DeWine said exercising the First Amendment was excluded from Ohio’s ban on large gatherings.

As of Thursday, the Department of Health said at least 213 Ohioans have died from the coronavirus with 5,512 cases confirmed statewide.

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