Donald Trump's Rally Linked To Surge In Coronavirus Cases In Tulsa

Local health officials believe that Donald Trump’s rally at BOK Center on June 20 may have contributed to the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event, which was Trump’s first massive campaign since the coronavirus lockdowns started, was attended by hundreds of protesters.

Tulsa recorded 261 new coronavirus cases on Monday, just two weeks after Donald Trump’s rally. On Tuesday, the county recorded 206 more cases. The incubation period for the coronavirus is between two to 14 days.

On Wednesday, Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Bruce Dart said the large gatherings in the last few weeks might have added to the spike in new coronavirus cases in Tulsa this week. “The past few days we’ve had almost 500 cases, and we know we had several large events a little over two weeks ago, which is about right, so I guess we just connect the dots,” he said.

Trump’s Tulsa rally happened as massive protests against racism and police brutality took place in cities across the U.S. The rally also coincided with an outdoor Juneteenth celebration at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa on June 20.

In a statement, Tim Murtaugh, Trump campaign’s communications director, suggested that the media was unduly blaming the spread of the virus on Trump’s events. He suggested it was unfair that the media has never linked the spread of the virus to the riots and protests happening on the streets in recent weeks but has been too concerned about the Trump rallies.

“There were no health precautions to speak of as thousands looted, rioted, and protested in the streets and the media reported that it did not lead to a rise in coronavirus cases,” said Murtaugh. “Meanwhile, the President’s rally was 18 days ago, all attendees had their temperature checked, everyone was provided a mask, and there was plenty of hand sanitizer available for all. It’s obvious that the media’s concern about large gatherings begins and ends with Trump rallies,” he added.

Dart recommended the postponement of Trump’s event in Tulsa ahead of the rally, citing fears over a possible surge in new cases. However, Trump proceeded with the rally and even resisted wearing a face mask in public.