Officials who for weeks urged the nation to Stay Home to Save Lives, and demanded strict lockdown rules, now say protesters are exempt.

Cities across the nation have seen protests over the death of George Floyd. Protesters in their millions have gathered to march over police brutality and racism. However, officials are saying these protesters are exempt for the lockdown regulations to stay home.

In Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who’s State had some of the strictest lockdown rules said, “Persons may engage in expressive activities protected by the First Amendment within the State of Michigan but must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the person’s household.”

However, Whitmer said protesters who had gathered outside the Capitol, to protest the lockdown regulations, were risking lives, and should stay home.

Read More: Fox News