ASHWAUBENON, Wis (NBC 26) -- With the likelihood of protestors showing up in both Marinette and Ashwaubenon for President Trump's visit to Wisconsin, today NBC26 spoke with a local doctor about the continued concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 during public gatherings.
In less than 24 hours President Trump will be in northeast Wisconsin and upon his arrival, one can only expect an onslaught of supporters and those in opposition to his visit.
"It's hard because in those situations people are not staying more than six feet apart, many are not masking and there is a lot of close contact," says Doctor Kelli Heindel a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare.
Doctor Heindel says masks should be the first line of defense for anyone congregating in groups.
"We want people as much as possible to try to use masks either surgical masks or the homemade ones."
During President Trump's town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon Ashwaubenon, everyone will be required to wear masks. But there are other simple steps attendees can do as well, to help them protect themselves and others.
"Don't do unnecessary handshaking, hugging, close contact, those types of activities," says Dr. Heindel.
And while the opportunity to see or hear President Trump, obviously has a serious draw for many Americans, Dr. Heindel hopes that those under the weather or with loved ones at home with compromised health conditions, skip the gathering altogether.
"If you're in crowds you don't necessarily know who might be sick. So again you have to be prudent in terms of do you want to expose yourself to that," asks Dr. Heindel.
