This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
US President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has proceeded despite concerns over COVID-19 cases among his campaign staff and local health officials warning of the potential for a 'superspreader' event.
According to a campaign spokesman, Tim Murtaugh, six members of the advance team tested positive for the virus out of hundreds of tests performed, prompting immediate quarantine procedures. No COVID-positive staffers or those in immediate contact will be at the rally or near attendees and elected officials, Murtaugh said.
Trump was reportedly incensed that the news of the sick campaign aides was made public before the rally, according to two people familiar with his reaction.
Tulsa has seen at least 10,037 cases of the coronavirus, with 368 deaths as of Saturday afternoon, according to a New York Times database.
Despite these concerns, Trump supporters gathered in Tulsa appeared less worried about the virus and more enthusiastic about the president's return to the campaign trail. Many attendees, including 68-year-old Mike Pellerin of Austin, Texas, expressed a lack of concern about contracting the virus, with Pellerin saying, 'I don't feel sick. I don't have the virus. I'm not going to give it to anyone.'
However, local health officials have expressed concerns that the rally could become a 'superspreader' event, and the campaign has taken some precautions, including temperature checks and providing wristbands, face masks, and hand sanitizer to attendees. Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said on Friday that using the masks would be optional.
