How should political candidates conduct safe rallies and events in light of the coronavirus outbreak? In a Bloomberg article, K2 Intelligence shared insight on steps that should be considered. According to experts, coronavirus or any health epidemic would not be considered a manageable risk—but following CDC guidance can help. The article also discusses:
- Local rallies are largely manageable, as they attract a finite number of people from a specific area. Larger events—such as conventions—are what become problematic because they attract many people from many different locations, increasing the footprint for a potential spread.
- While infectious disease is not typically a part of the standard security protocol for events or travel, campaigns ought to be exploring options like putting out hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations, and avoiding the rope line or selfie line to minimize human-to-human interaction.
- Candidates can also lead by example, encouraging those at their rally to maintain the CDC-prescribed distance from others; covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing; and holding rallies in more open spaces, like parks, as opposed to high school gymnasiums.
Read the full article in Bloomberg (registration may be required).
