As conservative demonstrators brought Michigan’s capital to a standstill on Wednesday with ‘Operation Gridlock’, their planned drive-by protest caused ambulances to get stuck in traffic.

Downtown Lansing was clogged with the vehicles of protesters against Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lansing Police struggled to keep traffic flowing and hospital security tried to keep entrances clear for emergency vehicles.

Local journalists and healthcare workers documented what they saw via social media.

At one point an ambulance had to turn down a one-way street to get out of the gridlock. Most reports focused on traffic limiting access to Sparrow Hospital, with medical staff inside voicing their frustration at the protest.

"To see this - traffic blocking the main intersection of a level 1 trauma centre, blocking the entrance and exit to our hospital. Blocking patients from receiving care that they need, makes me angry. It hurts. It hurts a lot," said one healthcare worker on Facebook.

WLNS reports another posting: "You are currently blocking ambulances, physicians and caregivers from making it to work to care for the sick and relieve the exhausted workers.

"You are the problem."

Michigan has one of the country’s fastest growing coronavirus infection rates. More than 1,921 residents have died, and confirmed cases currently stand at over 28,000, making the state the fourth hardest hit by the virus.

Critics of Governor Whitmer, speculated to be a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, have highlighted what they say are a number of inconsistencies and overreach in her policies, specifically last week's more stringent extension of the stay-at-home order until the end of April.

In an effort to respond to local concerns regarding people travelling unnecessarily, or shopping in big box stores rather than just picking up essential supplies, the new order barred Michigan residents from moving between homes in the state or using motorboats, and stopped stores from selling carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden supplies or paint.

Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan Show all 13 1 /13 Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan A protester holds a sign comparing Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer to a Nazi during a demonstration at the State Capitol in Lansing over coronavirus lockdown measures AP Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan An armed protester taking part in a demonstration against coronavirus lockdown measures outside the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan EPA Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan Vehicles sit in gridlock during a protest in Lansing, Michigan over lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic AP Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan People protest against coronavirus lockdown measures in Lansing, Michigan AP Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan An armed man stands outside the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan during a protest against lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic AFP via Getty Images Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan A 2020 Trump Unity sign is displayed during a protest against coronavirus lockdown measures at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan AP Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan A protester calls for the impeachment of Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer during a demonstration against coronavirus lockdown measures in Lansing EPA Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan A slogan on the back of a truck during a protest against coronavirus lockdown measures in Lansing, Michigan EPA Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan Drivers sit in gridlock as part of a protest against lockdown measures in Michigan outside the State Capitol in Lansing during the coronavirus pandemic AFP via Getty Images Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan Protesters wave US flags outside the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, during a demonstration against lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic AFP via Getty Images Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan People protest against coronavirus lockdown measures at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan AFP via Getty Images Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan A protester holds up a banner directed at Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer during a demonstration against coronavirus lockdown measures near the State Capitol in Lansing AFP via Getty Images Operation Gridlock: Anti-lockdown protests in Michigan People take part in a protest against lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan AFP via Getty Images