(CNN) The Republican National Committee is planning to hold a scaled-back national convention in Jacksonville, Florida, next month amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the state. The new plans will mean smaller crowds, fewer speeches and the use of indoor and outdoor venues in an attempt to salvage an in-person convention in the state of Florida, which has become one of the country's leading coronavirus hotspots. Attendance will be limited to the 2,500 regular RNC delegates for the first three days of the convention, with delegates allowed to bring one guest and alternate delegates also allowed to attend, capping total attendance at about 7,000 people. RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel sent a letter to convention delegates Thursday morning informing them of the changes, telling them the party fully intends to conduct a convention celebration, but will do so by making adjustments that comply with local health guidelines. "I want to make clear that we still intend to host a fantastic convention celebration in Jacksonville.

Source: CNN July 16, 2020 13:18 UTC