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Leader of 'ReOpen NC' Group Tests Positive for the Virus but She Won't Say Whether She Attended Recent Protests
Cases of the virus that's upended daily life in the United States continue to grow, but the spread has slowed largely thanks to the leadership of governors and local leaders who have followed the advice of health experts.
These governors have issued stay-at-home and social distancing orders, mandating to various degrees that non-essential businesses shutter their doors until the virus is adequately contained.
Relying on economic prosperity as the case for his reelection, President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized these orders as an overreaction, with some exceptions.
Following his lead, Trump supporters across the nation have called for governors to reopen businesses despite the risks.
The group ReOpen NC consists of North Carolinians pressuring the state's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, to scale back his stay-at-home measures.
One of the administrators of the group's Facebook page, Audrey S. Whitlock, made a startling admission.
Whitlock said in a Facebook post:
"As an asymptomatic ... positive patient (quarantine ends 4/26), another concern I have is the treatment of ... patients as it relates to other communicable diseases. I have been forced to quarantine in my home for 2 weeks."
A significant factor advancing the spread of the virus has been asymptomatic carriers unknowingly exposing others to the virus, which is why people are ordered to stay home regardless of whether or not they're showing symptoms.
Nevertheless, Whitlock said the quarantine violated her First Amendment rights.
"I have been told not to participate in public or private accommodations as requested by the government, and therefore denied my 1st amendment right of freedom of religion,. If I were an essential employee, I would be denied access to my job by my employer and the government, though compensated, those with other communicable diseases are afforded the right to work. It has been insinuated by others that if I go out, I could be arrested for denying a quarantine order."
Whitlock refused to say whether or not she attended the ReOpen NC demonstrations.
People were incredulous that Whitlock didn't see the need for quarantine after testing positive.
Wait a minute — so, Audrey Whitlock, the head of ReOpen NC is Asymptomatic POSITIVE FOR COVID19, has been placed on… https://t.co/XHGxJDButr— ᎠᏌNᎬᎷYᎢᎻᎪNᏩ™️ (@ᎠᏌNᎬᎷYᎢᎻᎪNᏩ™️) 1588012788.0
What’s crazy about this is that the story isn’t cheap dramatic irony — she protested, she got sick — but that she… https://t.co/arU39ex3Pp— Kurt Busiek Resists (@Kurt Busiek Resists) 1588011655.0
And then was appropriately forced to quarantine at home for two weeks. 👌🏻There’s no “freedom” when it comes to your… https://t.co/vcxHvefRBb— Andrew Clauw (@Andrew Clauw) 1588010581.0
"Reopen" protestors across numerous states have largely flouted stay-at-home and social distancing orders, demonstrating in large crowds and refusing to wear masks.
People weren't surprised by this development.
Well well well, if it isn’t my oldest foe, the consequences of my own actions. https://t.co/SiNrE3ZbIN— Bob (@Bob) 1588010769.0
Yeah, that was going to happen, obviously. Now, this woman has likely infected a whole host of other people. https://t.co/q64vLVtnsZ— #StayingTheFHome Norwegian 🐝🍷 (@#StayingTheFHome Norwegian 🐝🍷) 1588011808.0
Inevitable headline is inevitable https://t.co/q1fUUZ6rql— Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg (@Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg) 1588010302.0
Oh, it’s almost as if the governors have closed the states for a reason https://t.co/1drdJQqRIe— Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@Molly Jong-Fast🏡) 1588010562.0
The North Carolina Governor's stay-at-home orders remain in effect until at least May 8.