AP-NORC poll: Majority disapprove of coronavirus protests

A majority of Americans disapprove of protests against restrictions aimed at preventing the spread the coronavirus, according to a new poll that also finds the still-expansive support for such limits including restaurant closures and stay-at-home orders has dipped in recent weeks.

The new survey from the University of Chicago Divinity School and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds 55 per cent of Americans disapprove of the protests that have popped up in some states as some Americans begin chafing at public health measures that have decimated the global economy.

Thirty-one percent approve of the demonstrations.

Texas hair salon owner Shelley Luther was sentenced to seven days in jail last week after refusing to apologize to a judge for opening her salon in defiance of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's emergency orders.

She was released less than 48 hours later after Abbott removed jail as a punishment for defying virus safeguards.

In Michigan, thousands of people rallied outside the state capitol last month to protest Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's restrictions.

Hundreds returned two weeks later, some of them armed, to demonstrate inside the statehouse.

Democrats are more likely than Republicans to disapprove of such protests, 67 per cent to 51 per cent.

Thirty-two percent of Republicans and 25 per cent of Democrats say they approve.

Only 8 per cent said public protests, marches and rallies should be unrestricted during the outbreak, while 41 per cent think they should be allowed only with restrictions and 50 per cent think they should not be allowed at all.

Dee Miner, 71, of Fremont, California, said she disapproves of the protests, but also feels people have the right to express themselves.

We have to have the right to protest, but I have to tell you, seeing those people with those weapons at the statehouse in Michigan was pretty disturbing, said Miner, a Democrat and retired dental office manager.

I felt sorry for the legislators having to work with that angry mob in the lobby. It seemed like it was just pure intimidation.

Adam Blann, 37, of Carson City, Nevada, said he does not personally favour the protests, but does not believe they should be restricted.

Its a tough situation, said Blann, a Republican-leaning voter who works in the natural gas industry.

But I also think that one of the reasons we live in a great country is that we have freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom to protest."