Tensions continued to percolate Friday between North Carolina officials and the Republican National Committee over how the party convention will play out this August.
Mandy Cohen, North Carolina's health and human services secretary, sent a letter to the RNC asking for clarification about the convention plans — including whether it would honor President Donald Trump's wish to hold his nominating event "without social distancing or face coverings for attendees,” Axios reported.
“We know that it is possible to have a large-scale event during these trying times,” the letter, posted by Axios, states, noting the state held a Memorial Day race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway last weekend.
“The status of COVID-19 infections in our state and the Charlotte area continues to rapidly evolve, thus, it will be important to have several scenarios planned that can be deployed depending on the public health situation.”
The RNC had sent North Carolina’s Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper a letter Thursday outlining the safety steps it planned to take for the event — predominantly health screens and sanitizing measures.
The response from state officials now pressures the RNC to decide how and if it'll move forward, Axios noted.
Trump has been adamant about having the convention, scheduled to take place in Charlotte from Aug. 24-27, his way — and has threatened to find another place if that can’t happen.
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