Minden, NV- Douglas County was contacted by the Secret Service and representatives of the Trump Campaign late in the evening on Wednesday September 9, 2020 requesting use of the Minden-Tahoe Airport.After careful consideration and weighing the authority of State directives versus 1st amendment rights, the county ultimately decided to welcome the sitting President of the United States to our community.
“I am proud and amazed by the quality and professionalism of everyone involved,” said Douglas County Manager Patrick Cates. “Our outstanding team of county agencies and first responders worked with the Secret Service to organize plans for a safe and secure event within 48 hours. We consider Douglas County fortunate to have the opportunity to host any president or presidential candidates and to listen to what they have to say about the future of our great nation.”
The Secret Service worked with the county and implemented a variety of safeguards to protect the public, including thermometer screenings and encouraging the use of masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.Douglas County continues to have extremely low rates of infection. As of Friday September 11, 2020 there have been a total of 268 cases since March with 12 of them currently active. Douglas County has a population of 49,000. “We have achieved this through a persistent program of education, and at no time have we fined or otherwise penalized any citizen or business, “said Cates.