Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said canceling the Democratic convention this summer or replacing it with an online event is not under consideration.
“We are working with our state and local partners, and I’m confident that we can work a plan that will enable us to have our convention,” he told Axios HBO on Monday in an interview that will air in full on Sunday.
The spread of the coronavirus has led cities and states across the United States to declare a state of emergency. Festivals, sporting events, conferences, and other activities have been canceled in the wake of the outbreak. More than 1,300 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the U.S.
The convention is scheduled for July 13 through July 16 in Milwaukee. Perez said the committee is monitoring the situation “every single day” and has been in contact with public health officials. He also said an online convention, where delegates would vote remotely, is not on the table.
“We’d have to change the rules,” he said. “We’re not contemplating rule changes.”
Public health officials have urged elderly people to stay at home and to avoid crowds. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have already canceled rallies and other campaign events out of a concern for public safety.
