Concern over spread of coronavirus ahead of Pence, Trump events

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – While political rallies are exempt from the Evers administration’s order to limit public gatherings, there is still concern over their potential to spread coronavirus especially at a time when the state’s COVID-19 caseload and hospitalization is surging.

Eric Trump is set to visit Menomonee Falls and Milton on Monday, Oct. 12 and Vice President Pence will make a stop in Waukesha on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

In a statement, the Trump campaign said, “masks will be provided, attendees will have access to plenty of hand sanitizer, and we provide guests with opportunities to socially distance.”

Health officials said the intent of a mass gathering does not matter, they all hold potential risk for spread of coronavirus.

“When we think about the guidance to stay safe it is the same regardless of the intent of the gathering,” UW Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aimee Becker told CBS 58. “The concern is if we continue to surge in cases and hospitalizations, right, that we put pressure on that. […] Because of what we’re seeing statewide it really heightens the urgency around that to follow those measures that we know work.”

Democrats criticize the Trump campaign’s insistence on moving forward with large, in-person events.

“The thing that is worrisome is that I don’t think Eric Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are prioritizing the health and safety of our state or our country,” Emily Siegrist said. Siegrist is a candidate in the 24th assembly district, a Biden supporter and a nurse. She said in an interview that the campaigns should make efforts to adhere to large gatherings.

“I think if they would take a step back and actually respect the process of really social distancing and wearing masks and doing zoom virtual rallies, we’re all on the same page for that.