end to the order.

Unlike a similar protest last month, state officials did not issue a permit for the protest. Several people were detained, and officers wearing protective helmets and wielding batons formed a line to force the crowd — which did not practice physical distancing — from the grounds.

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

The CHP issued several orders for the crowd to disperse for creating a health hazard due to potential spread of COVID-19. In his Friday press briefing, which took place as the protest was starting, Newsom deferred questions about enforcing the state's social distancing guidelines to the CHP.

"All I ask for is this: take care of yourself," Newsom said. "Wear a face covering. Do justice to social distancing. This disease doesn't know if you're a protester or a Democrat or a Republican."

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

A protestor is detained at a demonstration against California's stay-at-home order outside the California Capitol on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

People gathered at the California Capitol to protest the state's stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

Until there is a vaccine for COVID-19, or widespread diagnostic testing, public health experts say social distancing guidelines should stay in place. Officials say that because anyone can be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus, the best way to prevent a spike in illness is to physically separate yourself from anyone not in your household.

This is a developing story and will be updated.