LEE COUNTY, Fla. — When it comes to COVID-19, Lee County Democrats and Republican parties say they’re taking precautions for people attending their watch parties.
Lee County Democrats hosting their event at the Luminary hotel Downtown Fort Myers say coronavirus is the reason why their event will be private. Lee County Republicans are urging at-risk voters to sit this one out.
By tomorrow night the conference room at the Luminary Hotel will be transformed intro campaign central for democratic supporters.
Only about 75 people are expected to show up. They can watch results roll in from four monitors.
It all looks nice, but the Chair for the party Gabriele Spuckes says social distancing will be in full effect for tomorrow night’s guests.
Forida’s COVID-19 data dashboard shows the month of October got off to a good start for Lee County, showing less than 50 new cases a day in the first week.
But, when you jump to last week, new COVID-19 cases averaged at 146 per day. Spuckes says they’re taking necessary precautions to protect guests.
“The chairs are set up completely different, so that if it’s one person they’re sitting here. If it’s two people they’re together. There will be six feet between each one of them,” she said.
Less than five miles away the Republican Party of Lee County will host their watch party at the Ranch. Chair Jonathan Martin says the venue holds about 1,800 people. So, he’s anticipating there will be plenty of room to distance attendees.
“If people are at high risk of suffering significant injury from COVID, I think everybody - the health professionals - we follow their guidelines. We expect those individuals to stay home,” said Martin.
The Democratic Party says they won’t serve any catered food at their watch party, but guests are welcome to purchase food and drinks at the Luminary bar.
