Four people who attended a Republican National Convention party in Charlotte, North Carolina have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said. While the RNC was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it did still have some events in Charlotte, where it was supposed to be held.
Now, officials in Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, said four people have tested positive for the novel virus. Two attendees and two individuals "supporting the event" have tested positive, according to a press release from the county. Officials said they conducted 792 tests during the RNC and thus far, these are the only cases to come back positive.
“These individuals were immediately issued isolation instructions and any known close contacts were notified and issued quarantine instructions by Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH). As previously reported, additional details about the RNC Meeting will be included in the official After Action Report, unless there is a recognized threat to the public's health,” they said in a statement.
Michael Ahrens, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said Friday in a statement to CNN the GOP had "diligent safety protocols in place" and tested all attendees both before and after they arrived in Charlotte.
"Out of roughly 1,000 tests administered, two RNC attendees, despite having negative tests prior to travel, and two Charlotte locals who planned to serve as event support staff tested positive upon arrival. All were sent home," Ahrens said.
The RNC wrapped up Thursday night in Washington, D.C., with a speech from President Donald Trump to a packed White House lawn. Not many spectators socially distanced or wore face masks.
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