Lancaster County COVID-19 Cases Provoke Protest: Anti-Maskers in Lincoln Rally Against City Mandates

The Lancaster County COVID-19 risk dial has stayed in orange for the third week in a row. In response, a group of anti-maskers held a protest on the steps of the state capitol.

On Sept. 19, 2020, a group of protesters organized by a man on Facebook held an anti-mask rally at the capitol building protesting against COVID-19 and the continued enforcement of masks in Lancaster county. (Which makes sense, as protesting usually makes germs go away.)

On average, the past three weeks saw 600 new cases every seven days with a record high of 690 confirmed cases. Last week marked one of the first that new cases went down. Lincoln only had 396 confirmed new cases. Data is showing that 55% of all COVID-19 spread is done by individuals within the age group of 18-22 years of age.

The rally that took place hosted over 100 people with six speakers, including Benjamin Madsen, who has voiced intent to run for Lincoln City Council.

The testing positivity rate for COVID-19 as of Sept. 20 is down to 8%, compared to the last three weeks that easily surpassed 13%. Despite this, the Lincoln risk dial remains largely unmoved as the percentage infected remains the same. (Thanks anti-maskers.)

So far there are over 5,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lancaster County, and between 300-1000 in the College View district alone. Of all cases reported, a little over 2,200 have recovered. There have been 23 COVID-19 caused deaths in Lancaster, all over the age of 40. 

Despite the protest held, the mask mandate and social distancing will remain enforced for the originally stated time. A new mask and social distance mandate went into effect on Sept. 14. There were no major changes to any of the old mandates, save that businesses must enforce regulations if they want to open. The mandate is set to continue until Oct.  31, where it will be reviewed for expiration or continuation.

Testing is still recommended and is available for free at several locations around the city. If you want to take one for fun, there is a site on campus by the on-campus nursing station where you can get your brain swabbed to your heart's content. Or, if you’re feeling risque, the CVS Health Drive Thru testing site will test you from the comfort of your car.

Alexander Nesmith is a Junior

Communication Major from

Calhoun, Georgia