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RNC releases health protocols for delegates while in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The Republican National Convention was supposed to bring millions of dollars to Charlotte, but social distancing restrictions kept it from being a full-blown event.

Now, a smaller convention will mean the Queen City will miss out on most of that money.

The convention committee released its virus safety plans Wednesday.

[PAST COVERAGE: GOP: Renomination of Trump to be held in private in Charlotte, without press]

Six delegates from each state and territory are planning to attend totaling 336 delegates. The delegates, as well as vendors and staff, will follow a health and safety plan.

Key components of the plan include:

  • Making sure delegates are educated and informed
  • Pre-travel COVID-19 testing of all participants prior to arrival in Charlotte
  • Daily symptom tracking and temperature checks for delegates
  • Social distancing in all venues
  • Masks will be worn, and PPE will be provided to participants in accordance with local and state regulations
  • On-site health professionals for medical response
  • Integration with local health systems, delivering on-site and telemedicine consults in addition to testing capabilities as needed

“Our top priority continues to be the safety and health of all attendees, participating vendors, staff and the Charlotte community,” said Max Everett, vice president and CIO. “We were extremely thorough in our planning and grateful for our local partners, including Atrium Health, Novant Health, city and county officials and other stakeholders who are working to ensure that the official convention business conducted here in the Queen City is a healthy and safe experience for all.” The RNC business meeting will be from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23 and the convention business will be on Aug. 24.

President Donald Trump said he may deliver his acceptance speech for the Republican nomination at the White House instead of Charlotte.