In spite of pandemic, RNC says it expects 50,000 at August convention

The Republican National Convention says it is anticipating about 50,000 attendees to its August convention, a notable vote of confidence amid the coronavirus pandemic as Americans continue to be extremely wary of large groups and as state governors continue to impose measures to temporarily outlaw them. 

The RNC said in a press release on Saturday that "nearly 50,000 visitors—including delegates, members of the media and guests—are expected to gather" in Charlotte, North Carolina near the end of August for the three-day event. The GOP was marking the beginning of a 100-day countdown to the convention. 

The press release, which did not mention the coronavirus pandemic in any way, called the 100-day mark "a significant date in the convention planning process following over a year of hard work, preparation and organization."

North Carolina is still under significant restrictions imposed by its governor, Roy Cooper. Gatherings of more than 10 people are forbidden by Cooper, though that may change as the state moves through various "phases" of re-opening in the coming weeks.

Though the press release itself did not refer to the ongoing pandemic, a Friday Fox Business op-ed by RNC 2020 President and CEO Marcia Lee Kelly directly addressed the matter. 

"We recognized that large-scale events would need to look different in light of COVID-19," Kelly wrote, "and our team unveiled step one of many this month: hiring an experienced health and medical preparedness expert to advise on the implementation of health and safety protocols."

"We are committed to safely figuring out how we can do our part in reopening America by energizing the local North and South Carolina economy," she said.