Pence wants no plexiglass at upcoming VP debate

Vice President Pence is requesting that no plexiglass dividers be placed on his side of the stage during the vice presidential debate in Utah against Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala HarrisObama: Americans should be 'troubled' by attempts to overturn states' votes Atlanta mayor: Trump would 'eat his own children' if it helped him Czech president says Trump should quit after election loss and 'not be embarrassing' MORE (D-Calif.) on Wednesday, according to The Washington Post. 

The Biden campaign said Monday that plexiglass dividers would be installed on the debate stage in Salt Lake City.

The news came as numerous people in President TrumpDonald John TrumpRomney on Trump election tactics: 'Difficult to imagine a worse, more undemocratic action' by president New York expands Trump tax fraud investigations to include writeoffs: report Biden promises federal government will pay for National Guard coronavirus work: 'That should be paid for' MORE’s administration, including the president and first lady Melania TrumpMelania TrumpTrumps to spend Thanksgiving at White House instead of traveling to Florida Chelsea Clinton blames Trump for Secret Service officers in quarantine More than 130 Secret Service officers in quarantine: report MORE, tested positive for the coronavirus late last week.

Following the president's diagnosis late Thursday night, several other top Republicans — including former White House counselor Kellyanne ConwayKellyanne Elizabeth ConwayLara Trump mulling 2022 Senate run in North Carolina: report Press: Where is Jim Baker when we need him? Lack of influence means it's time to dismiss the Lincoln Project MORE, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Sens. Ron JohnsonRonald (Ron) Harold JohnsonGOP Rep. Dan Newhouse tests positive for COVID-19 The Hunter Biden problem won't go away Colorado Democrat Ed Perlmutter tests positive for coronavirus MORE (Wis.), Mike LeeMichael (Mike) Shumway LeeOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Barrasso to seek top spot on Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Forest Service finalizes rule weakening environmental review of its projects | Biden to enlist Agriculture, Transportation agencies in climate fight Senate advances energy regulator nominees despite uncertainty of floor vote GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse tests positive for COVID-19 MORE (Utah) and Thom TillisThomas (Thom) Roland TillisBipartisan pair of Senators call on Egypt to address case of imprisoned human rights advocate Money can't buy the Senate GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse tests positive for COVID-19 MORE (N.C.) — have also tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Pence and the second lady, Karen PenceKaren Sue PenceSpaceX capsule arrives at International Space Station The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Capital One - World reacts to news of second COVID-19 vaccine with 90 percent efficacy The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by UAE - US records 1 million COVID-19 cases in a week; governors crack down MORE, have both tested negative for COVID-19.  

Marc Short, chief of staff to Pence, said his team did not see plexiglass dividers as medically necessary, according to the Post. Other safety measures have already been agreed to, such as daily testing for both Pence and Harris and a 12-foot distance between them. 

“If she wants it, she’s more than welcome to surround herself with plexiglass if that makes her feel more comfortable,” Short said according to the newspaper. “It’s not needed.” 

Following the president's diagnosis, the Commission on Presidential Debates said it would have the candidates stand 13 feet apart, as opposed to seven feet. 

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenRomney on Trump election tactics: 'Difficult to imagine a worse, more undemocratic action' by president Biden promises federal government will pay for National Guard coronavirus work: 'That should be paid for' House committee chairs demand briefing from GSA head on presidential transition MORE’s campaign has supported plexiglass dividers, and Biden himself has suggested that he was open to plexiglass in the Oct. 15 presidential debate.

This wouldn’t be the first time plexiglass was used during a debate. Last Saturday, South Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Jaime Harrison set up a barrier between himself and Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamHackers love a bad transition The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump campaign files for Wis. recount l Secretaries of state fume at Trump allegations l Biden angered over transition delay Georgia elections chief: 'Emotional abuse' to mislead voters about fraud MORE (R-S.C.) during their debate. 

The Hill has reached out to both the Trump and Biden campaigns for further comment.