People attending President Trump’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally on Saturday will be given a face mask and hand sanitizer, the campaign announced on Monday, amid growing criticism that the event risks creating a COVID-19 hot spot.
Organizers said the rally prompted more than a million supporters to sign up, even though it will be held in a 19,000-capacity arena.
Public health officials have repeatedly said face masks are a critical way of preventing the spread of the virus, although Trump has bristled at the advice. He has also complained about social distancing measures at his events, saying they spoil the appearance on television.
Deputy campaign communications director Erin Perrine said: “The campaign takes the health and safety of rallygoers seriously and is taking precautions to make the rally safe. Every single rallygoer will have their temperature checked, be provided a face mask and hand sanitizer.”
During the weekend, the local public health chief urged the campaign to move back the date of the event.
“I’m concerned about our ability to protect anyone who attends a large, indoor event, and I’m also concerned about our ability to ensure the president stays safe as well,” Dr. Bruce Dart told the Tulsa World.
The campaign is acknowledging the risk and is asking attendees to sign a waiver absolving it of responsibility if anyone gets sick.
