Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic are honored to host 2020’s first presidential debate at their shared Health Education Campus and have taken steps to help ensure it will be done safely. In the midst of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, this debate will be significantly different from past debates.

A broad range of risk-mitigation strategies have been developed to help protect everyone within the space, including:

  • Adding distance between seats.
  • Incorporating personal health screening and safety measures.
  • Implementing disinfectant measures.

In addition to co-hosting the first debate, Cleveland Clinic also serves as Health Security Advisor to the Commission on Presidential Debates, which guides on safety matters for all four 2020 general election debates. Cleveland Clinic is working with healthcare professionals in the debate host cities to ensure a consistent approach to health and safety. The plan Cleveland Clinic develops for the Cleveland debate will guide subsequent 2020 debates.

Specific debate plans may change based on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. Debate precautions will be aligned with county, state and CDC guidelines for health, safety and physical distancing. The latest updates for media will be shared on this page.