Commission agrees to 12 feet between candidates at VP debate in Utah
Oct 3, 2020, 1:45 PM
In this composite photograph, Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, and Vice President Mike Pence arrives to speak during the first day of the Republican National Convention Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. Carolyn Kaster and Chris Carlson, Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY — The Commission on Presidential Debates has heard the concerns of the Biden campaign, and has agreed to have 12 feet in-between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence at the vice presidential debate that will take place at the University of Utah campus on Oct. 7.
Politico reports the Biden campaign had previously objected to the original suggestion of spacing the candidates seven feet apart.
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There was no change, however, to the requirement that the candidates stand during the debate, as the Biden campaign had requested. As of this writing, Sen. Harris and Vice Pres. Biden will stand.
The concern for candidate health has been highlighted since a dozen new cases of COVID-19 were reported among those who attended the Rose Garden announcement of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as Pres. Trump’s latest nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court.
RELATED: USA Today’s Susan Page to moderate VP debate in Salt Lake City
Those COVID-19 cases include Pres. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Kellyanne Conway and Utah Sen. Mike Lee.
RELATED: Trump joins growing list of virus-infected world leaders
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
