Charlotte RNC 2020 on Chopping Block Amid Corona Virus Fears?

CHARLOTTE – The NBA has suspended the rest of its regular season, the NCAA basketball tournaments have banned fans from attendance, and President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that all travel fro the European Union will be suspended for 30 days. As the waves of cancellations grows, many are beginning to wonder if the Republican National Convention, set in the Queen City this July, will also get canceled.

From the Charlotte Observer:

“[…] Like their Democratic counterparts, organizers of the Republican convention say they’re keeping an eye on the situation.

“The convention team is closely monitoring and coordinating with key stakeholders across the administration . . . and (federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to obtain regular updates,” convention spokeswoman Tatum Gibson said Monday. “We prioritize the health and safety of attendees and have the utmost confidence in the administration’s work and preparations.”

To be sure, there’s no indication yet that either party is ready to take such a drastic step. And there hasn’t been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County. […]

At least two conventions scheduled for this spring at the Charlotte Convention Center — one for the snack industry and the other for the Electric Power Research institute — have been canceled. […]

Republican county conventions started last weekend. District conventions are scheduled for April, leading up to a state convention in Greenville in May. Democrats have a similar schedule.

“We at this point do not have any plans to alter the scheduling although we are closely monitoring the situation here in North Carolina,” state GOP Chair Michael Whatley told The Observer. “The health and safety of the participants and guests at the any of our events is our highest priority.” […]”

While conventions schedules have been modified or shortened in the past, none have been canceled. Will this be the first? Find out more here.