The Independent View: Republicans Scale-Back Jacksonville FL Convention Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Republicans announced Thursday, July 16th, they will Scale-Back, the Republican National Convention (RNC), in August, as Coronavirus Cases rise in Florida, where President Trump is expected to Deliver a Speech Accepting his Party's Nomination for Reelection.

Ronna Romney McDaniel, the Chairwoman of the RNC, informed Members of the Decision in a Letter on Thursday that blamed the Pandemic for the Changes. The Letter states that Admittance to the Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, will be limited only to Regular Delegates for the First Three days, amounting to about 2,500 People.

McDaniel wrote that when Trump formally Accepts the GOP Nomination on the Event's Final day, Delegates will be Allowed to bring One Quest and Alternate Delegates will also be Allowed to attend. That Crowd would be Capped at about 6,000 or 7,000 People.

McDaniel said the Convention Celebration will be a mix of “indoor and outdoor venues” at: 121 Financial Ballpark; Daily’s Place Amphitheater; TIAA Bank Field; VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena; and several Other Sites. There is programming Scheduled for every Night in Jacksonville between Aug. 24th and Aug. 27th.

The RNC says it will “implement a variety of health protocols in order to ensure a safe event,” which includes: On-Site Temperature Checks of Attendees; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); “Aggressive” Sanitizing Protocols, and COVID-19 Testing.

“I want to make clear that we still intend to host a fantastic convention celebration in Jacksonville,” McDaniel wrote. “We can gather and put on a top-notch event that celebrates the incredible accomplishments of President Trump’s administration and his re-nomination for a second term — while also doing so in a safe and responsible manner.”

Republicans have been in a Bind as they seek to Balance Recommendations from Public Health Officials with Trump’s desire to move Ahead with a Full-Scale Celebration.

The Official Party Business for the Convention will still take place in Charlotte, for One Day, before they joining the Jacksonville Celebration.

“I want to reiterate that the RNC is working around the clock to ensure the convention celebration in Jacksonville is still an exciting, premier event,” McDaniel said. “We are looking forward to a fantastic week in Jacksonville as we celebrate this historic moment in the life of our nation.”