Robeson already a hot zone for coronavirus, and Trump rally could exacerbate that
President Donald Trump is scheduled to campaign in Lumbeton on Saturday, bringing thousands of people to a rally in a county with one of North Carolina's highest rates of coronavirus infections.
Posted — UpdatedRobeson County has had 5,668 residents infected during the pandemic, or 4,339 per 100,000 people. That infection rate ranks third in the state, behind only Duplin County and neighboring Scotland County.
The 68 new cases reported each day last week was the most for any county during that time, state health officials said, and coronavirus testing in the county is showing 11 percent positive results, which is almost double the state average.
“We take strong precautions for our campaign events," campaign spokeswoman Courtney Parella said. "Every attendee has their temperature checked, is provided a mask they’re instructed to wear and has access to plenty of hand sanitizer. We also have signs at our events instructing attendees to wear their masks."
State health officials encouraged anyone attending the rally to get tested for coronavirus in the coming days, but Democratic 1st District Congressman G.K. Butterfield said he fears that won't prevent massive spread of the virus in southeast North Carolina.
“What we will see tomorrow at Robeson County will be nothing but a superspreader, and will expose good Tar Heel citizens to this unnecessary virus," Butterfield said. "I think the president needs to follow CDC guidelines, I think he needs to observe the standards set forward by Gov. [Roy] Cooper."
As the election draws closer, the Trump campaign is making a push for votes in eastern North Carolina, hoping it will help him win a state critical to his re-election bid.
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