Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is conceding that it’s uncertain whether the 2020 Democratic National Convention can go on as planned this summer considering the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

“I don’t know. I think we have to follow the science. We’ve got to follow the rules. We’re not to follow what the experts tell us,” Biden said. “I hope we can. It may have to be smaller. It may be in a different venue. I just don’t know.”

The Democratic convention, where Biden would be expected to be voted on as the official Democratic presidential nominee, has been planned for August at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.

A major political party’s nominating convention, however, traditionally brings together thousands of delegates, elected officials, party luminaries and others, over several days and all within a closed arena.

Such a gathering would pose significant challenges at a time when the nation continues to experience thousands of deaths as a result of the pandemic, and most public health professionals continue to advise Americans practice social distancing and staying home.

Wisconsin, the site of the planned convention, has reported 11,685 cases of COVID-19, including 445 deaths.

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