Republicans have scaled back next month’s nominating convention in Jacksonville, Florida, amid signs the state has become the hardest hit coronavirus hotspot in the US with a record 156 fatalities on Thursday.
Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, wrote to party members, in a letter seen by the Financial Times, to say that only delegates would be allowed to attend the first three days of the convention which starts on August 24.
A slightly wider group will be allowed to attend when Donald Trump gives an address formally accepting the party’s presidential nomination on August 27, Ms McDaniel added, saying “adjustments must be made to comply with state and local health guidelines”.