After cancelling a rally in Alabama over coronavirus concerns, the Trump campaign announced plans to hold an outdoor rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as part of their continued effort to resume in-person campaigning despite the risks posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
US President Donald J Trump holds a MAGA rally at the Williamsport Regional Airport, in ... [+]
New Hampshire lifted its stay at home order mid-way through June and does not have restrictions on large gatherings or mandates for mask-wearing or social distancing. However, the state still encourages people to wear masks and social distance.
The Trump campaign is reportedly looking past swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where Biden is currently leading by sizable margins, and towards states that voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016. "We don't need 306. We just need 270," a top Trump advisor told Politico, asserting that they could win New Hampshire and either Nevada or New Mexico instead. But polls put Biden ahead in New Hampshire and Nevada, and up by double digits in New Mexico.
Some governors, including Republicans, are cracking down on lax coronavirus mitigation measures at Trump rallies. "There would have to be social distancing and wearing of masks if you can't social distance," Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said of any potential Trump rallies in his state. "You have to follow our guidelines and that's what we would insist upon."
The campaign said there will be "ample access" to hand sanitizer at the rally and that all attendees will be provided with, and "strongly encouraged" to wear, a face mask, but made no mention of mandating face-masks or social distancing.
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