Group puts notices on doors of local businesses warning them not to require vaccines for entry
Thomas McDonald
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A group of anti-vaccine mandate protestors in Novato, California, issued a warning to local businesses not to impose vaccine mandates on customers.
“I believe in freedom and forcing people to take a vaccine is against freedom,” a protestor named Michael told local media. “We are fighting for what we believe is right. And if you don’t give the government pushback, then they will take even more.”
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The activists posted large yellow flyers on the doors and windows of businesses in their neighborhood. Part of the poster reads: “The people who kept you in business are the ones you’ll be banning.”
Protesters say vaccine and mask mandates infringe on their freedoms.
“We’re people. We’re customers. We kept you in business through this last year when other people were being scaredy cats staying at home and you need to be vaccinated to come in your store?” Susan Balm, who also took part in the protest, said.
“Here’s the message, the people who want ‘vaccine passports’ are the ones who were happy to let you go bankrupt because they were too afraid to go out for over a year, the people who want you in business are the ones you’ll be banning,” said another activist.
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The protestors warned businesses they will boycott their stores if they implement vaccine mandates. Many of the protestors said their hesitancy to get the vaccine is based on possible side effects or long-term effects that aren’t known yet.
Some residents disagree with the protesters’ stance.
“I think the idea is that we have to be as safe as possible,” said Randy Couvillon. “Nobody knows what it’s like even a year and a half later to continue with this pandemic. I respect that they are voicing their opinions but it’s a complication we don’t need.”
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced new mask and vaccine mandates in the state of California, requiring vaccines for health care workers, universal masking at schools, and vaccines or regular COVID tests for teachers.
The California Department of Public Health now recommends wearing a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status, because of the rise of the delta variant.