Scott Atlas urges people to ‘rise up’ against Michigan COVID-19 shutdowns

A member of Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force has called for people to “rise up” up after a state announced a new three-week lockdown.

Dr Scott Atlas with US President Donald Trump in August. Picture: Nicholas Kamm/AFP

Dr Scott Atlas, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, has called for people to “rise up” up after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a three-week “pause to save lives” during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept. #FreedomMatters #StepUp,” Dr Atlas said in a tweet on Sunday night about the new public health measures.

Ms Whitmer, who has appealed to the Trump administration to intervene in the pandemic, announced a series of measures – including closing colleges, high schools, workplaces and in-person dining – to control the spread of the disease, The Washington Post reported.

Hey. I NEVER was talking at all about violence. People vote, people peacefully protest. NEVER would I endorse or incite violence. NEVER!! https://t.co/LljvwMvjDV

— Scott W. Atlas (@ScottWAtlas) November 16, 2020

Responding to Dr Atlas’ tweet on Sunday night, Ms Whitmer said on CNN, “We know that the White House likes to single us out here in Michigan, me out in particular. I’m not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals.”

Ms Whitmer told host Wolf Blitzer that she consults “people that actually have studied and are well-respected worldwide on these issues, not the – not the individual that is doing the President’s bidding on this one”.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Picture: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP

Dr Scott Atlas in the White House. Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

Dr Atlas, a radiologist who joined the White House task force in August, is a known proponent of herd immunity in the fight against coronavirus – a stance that puts him at odds with most health experts.

Michigan Attorney-General Dana Nessel echoed fellow Democrat Whitmer’s message, casting Dr Atlas’ post as “disappointing, irresponsible, and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19”.

“I look forward to a new federal administration that works cooperatively with our state government to protect Michigan residents,” Ms Nessel said on Twitter.

“A patriot is one who protects America from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. COVID-19 is the enemy, not each other. Stop pitting Americans against each other and start supporting policies proven to effectively fight the virus.”

Ms Whitmer, who has incurred the wrath of far-right groups during the pandemic, was also the target of an alleged terrorism kidnapping plot, according to federal and state officials.

The alleged scheme included plans to overthrow several state governments that the suspects “believe are violating the US Constitution”, according to a federal criminal complaint cited by CNN.

This article originally appeared on NY Post and was reproduced with permission