Two campaign rallies planned in Cleveland Tuesday evening were canceled due to concerns over coronavirus. Three cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, have been confirmed in Ohio and all three are in Cuyahoga County.
Joe Biden said Governor Mike DeWine asked the candidates to cancel the events due to concerns about the spread of the illness. Biden was to rally at Cuyahoga Community College. The governor has urged people to avoid such large indoor gatherings where germs can easily spread.
A number of Bernie Sanders supporters made the trip to the Huntington Convention Center for his planned event, only to learn it had been canceled. Among them was Jessica Johnston from the Lake County suburb of Madison. “It’s my birthday,” said Johnston. “I wanted to spend my birthday with Bernie. I’m just so shocked [COVID-19] is happening in our town. We just got the first confirmed cases. I didn’t think this would be shut down. I’m still gonna be wearing my Bernie stuff and still celebrate my birthday with Bernie even if it can’t be in person.”
There was some confusion about whether the rally would go on and the cancellation surprised those who made the trek downtown. "It’s like when the Griswolds get all the way to Wallyworld only to find out it’s closed,” said Johnston.
