Published 12:13 IST, October 6th 2020

US Election 2020: Pence, Harris to debate behind plexiglass as COVID precautionary measure

Mike Pence and Kamala Harris will be separated by plexiglass during their debate on October 7 to prevent any possibility of COVID-19 transmission.

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
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US Vice-President Mike Pence and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris will be separated by plexiglass during ir debate on October 7 to prevent any possibility of COVID-19 transmission. y will also be seated at least 12ft apart as a precautionary measure after US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, and White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany tested positive for COVID-19.

Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) anunced that "plexiglass will be used as part of CPD's overall approach to health and safety". According to US media reports, request for plexiglass was put forward by Harris’ team. Pence's spokesperson Katie Miller responded to anuncement saying if Harris wants to use a “fortress around herself, have at it." Harris's press secretary Sabrina Singh shot back:

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Read: 'Don't Be Afraid': Trump Returns To White House, Asks People To 'get Out re' Amid COVID

Read: Trump Still Infected With COVID-19, Removes Mask After Returning To White House

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It will t be first time when plexiglass will be used during a debate. Last week, Democratic Senate candidate for South Carolina Jaime Harrison brought his own plexiglass screen to debate Lindsey Graham. CPD has anunced or precautionary measures for debate which include a mandatory COVID-19 test for people in audience and y have to wear a face mask throughout debate. 

Trump's return to White House

Meanwhile, Trump has returned to White House after he was discharged from Walter Reed National Medical Center. White House physician Dr Sean Conley told reporters at military hospital that US President has exceeded all standard hospital discharge criteria and has received ar dose of remdesivir drug in his treatment of COVID-19.

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"It's been more than 72 hours since his last fever. Oxygen levels, including ambulatory saturations and his work of breathing or all rmal though," Dr Conley said.

After returning to White House, Trump climbed up to South Portico stairs instead of using elevators to go to his residence. After taking off mask, US President stood up in portico facing South Lawns for a few minutes and saluted Marine One.

Read: Biden Lambasts Trump Over Reassuring COVID Remarks; Reminds Him Of People Who Lost Lives

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Read: Trump Says He's Leaving Hospital: 'Feeling Better Than 20 Years Ago; Don't Fear Covid'

12:14 IST, October 6th 2020