Shops around the US make headlines for denying entry to those wearing masks as protesters argue against preventative measures in the name of freedom

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In the last few weeks a spate of American stores have made headlines after putting up signs telling customers who wear masks they will be denied entry. On Thursday, Vice reported on a Kentucky convenience store that put up a sign reading: “NO Face Masks allowed in store. Lower your mask or go somewhere else. Stop listening to [Kentucky governor Andy] Beshear, he’s a dumbass.”

Another sign was posted by a Californian construction store earlier this month encouraging hugs but not masks. In Illinois, a gas station employee who put up a similar sign has since defended herself, arguing that mask-wearing made it hard to differentiate between adults and children when selling booze and cigarettes.

Hundreds of protesters, some armed, attempted to enter the legislative chamber of Michigan's state capitol, in response to moves to extend Covid-19 lockdown orders. The demonstrators gathered as Democrat governor, Gretchen Whitmer, pushed for stay-at-home orders to continue to mid-May. The state has recorded 3,789 coronavirus deaths at time of publication

• Armed protesters demonstrate against Covid-19 lockdown at Michigan capitol