Democratic Presidential Debate Moderator Steps Down Because of Coronovirus

(Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)

Univison’s Jorge Ramos is stepping down from his duties as one of the moderators for the CNN-Univision Democratic presidential debate set for Sunday because of the coronavirus.

Ramos may have been exposed to the coronavirus, the Democratic National Committee said.

Although he is not exhibiting symptoms, he decided to step down out of an abundance of caution.

Univision’s Ilia Calderón will serve as replacement moderator.

"Both Mr. Ramos and the person he was in contact with are in good health and symptom free," DNC Communications Director Xochitl Hinojosa said. "Despite being cleared by medical professionals and out of an abundance of caution, Jorge has decided to step aside from participating in the upcoming March 15 Democratic debate."

As CNSNews.com previously reported, the debate, which was scheduled for Arizona, will be moved to the CNN studio in Washington, D.C., and there will be no audience.

"At the request of both campaigns and out of an abundance of caution, there will be no live audience at the Arizona debate taking place on Sunday, March 15th," Hinojosa said in a statement. "The DNC has been in regular communication with local health officials and the mayor's office, which advised that we could proceed as planned."