Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden both canceled planned Tuesday-night rallies in Cleveland due to local health officials’ concerns about the coronavirus.
The decisions mark the first time a presidential campaign has canceled a publicly scheduled event — and it could be a harbinger of things to come as campaigns, like everyone else, grapple with how to responsibly function during the virus outbreak.
“Out of concern for public health and safety, we are canceling tonight’s rally in Cleveland. We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials, who have communicated concern about holding large, indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak. Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had planned to attend the event tonight,” Sanders spokesman Mike Casca said in a statement. “All future Bernie 2020 events will be evaluated on a case by case basis.”
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Shortly after Sanders’ campaign announced their event was off, Biden’s campaign did the same.
