The debate will still be held, though there won't be a "spin room" or filing center for the press.
The Democratic National Committee says this Sunday's debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders in Phoenix will be held without an audience over concerns about the spreading coronavirus.
DNC communications director Xochitl Hinojosa said the decision was made"at the request of both campaigns and out of an abundance of caution." "The DNC has been in regular communication with local health officials and the [Phoenix mayor's] office, which advised that we could proceed as planned," Hinojosa said."Nevertheless, our No. 1 priority has and will continue to be the safety of our staff, campaigns, Arizonans and all those involved in the debate."
The debate is scheduled for Sunday, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and is hosted by CNN and Univision in Phoenix. CNN said Tuesday it would not provide the traditional press filing center for reporters or"spin room," where campaign surrogates and the media often congregate in close quarters following the debate.
After weeks of limited impacts, the coronavirus outbreak has roiled the Democratic presidential race over the past 24 hours. Both Biden and Sanders canceled rallies scheduled for Tuesday night in Ohio due to the spread of the virus. Both campaigns also said that the status of future events will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DNC announces no audience at upcoming primary debate because of coronavirus outbreakDNC announces Sunday's primary debate will be held without an audience because of coronavirus outbreak CNNelection
Read more »
DNC announces no audience at upcoming primary debate because of coronavirus outbreakDNC announces Sunday's primary debate will be held without an audience because of coronavirus outbreak CNNelection
Read more »
'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy' to nix studio audiences over coronavirus concerns'Wheel of Fortune' will begin taping episodes without a studio audience indefinitely out of concern over the spread of coronavirus, a source close to the show says
Read more »
'Wheel of Fortune' to nix studio audience over coronavirus concerns'Wheel of Fortune' will go without a studio audience indefinitely out of concern over the spread of coronavirus, a source close to the show says
Read more »
‘Jeopardy’ & ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ To Film Without Audience Because Of Coronavirus ConcernsIn what may be precursor to things to come in the TV industry as the U.S. is trying to contain the rapidly growing coronavirus outbreak, game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel Of Fortune will tape episodes…
Read more »