#GOP will limit attendance at Republican convention amid coronavirus

The Republican National Committee will sharply restrict attendance on three of the four nights of its convention in Jacksonville next month as coronavirus cases are spiking in Florida.

Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a letter to RNC members that only the 2,500 or so regular delegates to the convention would be allowed to attend the opening three nights of the convention.

Delegates, their guests and alternate delegates would be permitted to attend the final night, Aug. 27, when President Trump is set to deliver his acceptance speech.

The move comes after the GOP was forced to move most of the convention from Charlotte, North Carolina, after Gov. Roy Cooper ruled out a full-capacity crowd amid the pandemic, angering the commander in chief, who had wanted a full house.

“When we made these changes, we had hoped to be able to plan a traditional convention celebration to which we are all accustomed,” McDaniel said in the letter.

“However, adjustments must be made to comply with state and local health guidelines.”

In recent weeks, Florida has seen significant increases in confirmed cases, with Jacksonville instituting a face-covering mandate and the state limiting gatherings to 50 percent of a venue’s capacity.

The RNC was still working to determine a lineup for the event, which a number of top lawmakers have decided to sit out.

McDaniel said the convention was planning to use both indoor and outdoor spaces.

GOP officials familiar with the planning said the marquee evening program, including Trump’s speech, were expected to take place outdoors to accommodate the largest crowd possible.

The GOP will provide on-site temperature checks and face-coverings, and will have COVID-19 testing available for attendees.

“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,” McDaniel wrote.

The formal business of the renominating Trump will still take place in Charlotte, but with a far smaller group of delegates casting proxy votes.

Democrats are planning a mostly virtual convention.

With AP