Maskless Protesters Gather Outside Market in Fairfax District, Chant “Open Up LA”

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A group of about 25 to 50 people, predominantly not wearing masks, gathered outside an Erewhon market in the Fairfax district Tuesday to protest coronavirus-related restrictions, some chanting “Open up L.A.”

Police were called about 3:30 p.m. to the 7600 block of Beverly Boulevard, near The Grove and Fairfax Avenue, where the group was gathering, said Officer Rosario Cervantes of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Videos on social media showed a group of maskless people pushing closely together just outside the market’s automatic glass doors. In front of the market, protesters yelled “Open up L.A.,” the Los Angeles Times reported.

“Masks don’t work!” the group also chanted. “It’s a conspiracy!”

Eventually, the group pushed its way inside the market and began urging shoppers to take off their face masks.

No one was arrested, according to Officer Mike Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Erewhon market is located about a half mile south of the West Hollywood border.

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