Vice President Mike Pence confirmed that the Republican Party is considering the idea of an outdoor convention.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Pence said party officials were looking at plans to scuttle an indoor event because of the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to plague large parts of the country.
“There’s consideration being given to having the convention in an outdoor setting and also putting the kind of measures in place that put the health of all of those participating — our delegates, visitors, and anyone else that’s present,” he said. “We’ll put the health of everyone participating first.”
President Trump has repeatedly said he wants to hold an in-person convention even as the virus continues to spread but recently told reporters the GOP would be “flexible” with its convention plans due to the unprecedented nature of the highly contagious disease. The tentative plan is to hold the convention in Jacksonville, Florida, and Pence said details on the event would be released soon.
“We’re going to work closely with officials in Jacksonville,” Pence said. “The RNC is working up those plans, and I’m sure they’ll be announced in the forthcoming days by the campaign.”
Health experts have cautioned against holding a nonvirtual convention but are in agreement that if one does proceed, it should be held outside to help better enforce social distancing measures amid the coronavirus.
Cases of the coronavirus are on the rise in Florida as the spread persists, and expanded testing shows the gravity of the situation. More than 300,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the state since the outbreak began, and more than 130 people died on Tuesday from the disease.
