The Democratic National Committee said that Sunday’s debate is still on the calendar despite growing numbers of COVID-19 infections.
DNC spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa told the Arizona Republic on Monday that, while there are no current plans to cancel the event, the organization planned to keep in contact with local authorities in Phoenix, Arizona, where the debate will be held.
“We are in touch with local officials and will follow their guidance,” Hinojosa said. “There are no plans to cancel the debate.”
The debate will take place in Phoenix’s Arizona Federal Theatre two days before the next round of presidential primaries. Annie DeGraw, a spokeswoman for the city’s mayor, said that multiple groups are “in daily contact … to discuss precautions being taken against COVID-19.”
“We understand the responsibility that comes with hosting an event under these circumstances. We are taking strong precautions, and, most importantly, breaking down communication silos,” DeGraw said, noting that stakeholders such as the DNC, CNN, the Phoenix Convention Center, and the theater are being kept updated.
“At this time, we are working with the understanding that the debate is moving forward as planned and taking proper safety precautions in the lead-up to Sunday,” she continued. “Based on this information, we will reassess daily what possible changes need to be made.”
Maricopa County in Arizona has had three confirmed cases of the illness, while Pinal County has had two infections. There have been more than 600 confirmed cases and 22 deaths across the United States so far.
An attendee at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference last month was diagnosed with COVID-19. The person had contact with at least two Republican lawmakers, who are self-quarantining.
