Editor’s note: This article and the statements from Rock County officials came before President Trump announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
Rock County government officials are asking President Trump to reconsider his plans for a campaign rally in Janesville on Saturday.
County Board Chair Kara Purviance called it “irresponsible” of the President to hold a rally here while COVID-19 numbers continue to rise locally.
“Rock County is experiencing an unprecedented pandemic that threatens the health of our residents,” Purviance said in a press release. “I hope the President chooses to act responsibly by cancelling the rally.”
She said it’s not specific to Trump’s campaign, and she wouldn’t want Joe Biden or any other candidate to hold a rally in Rock County right now.
County Administrator Josh Smith was less direct about the campaign stop, noting that “we need to avoid any circumstances that could put our reopening in jeopardy.”
Health officials say if Trump does not cancel the rally, they are urging the campaign to follow the local health guidelines of limited gathering size, social distancing and mask wearing.
Rock County Public Health Officer Marie-Noel Sandoval “strongly recommends” against these types of large gatherings.
The county’s current public health order is a set of guidelines and not an enforceable ordinance.
