The Republican National Committee is “firmly committed” to hosting its convention in Charlotte this August, state GOP Chairman Michael Whatley said Saturday evening.

But limits on mass gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic will drastically alter the formats of upcoming county and district conventions, forcing delegates to be elected through teleconferences and other online platforms, Whatley wrote in an “open letter” to North Carolina Republicans.

“I am keenly aware that there will be challenges,” Whatley wrote. “I would ask all North Carolina Republicans to be patient with this new process and understand that we have been forced to make these changes in a very short period of time.”

North Carolina Democratic officials are taking similar precautionary measures amid the COVID-19 outbreak, tasking larger counties to hold “virtual party conventions.”

The RNC, planned for Aug. 24 to 27 in Charlotte, has not announced any changes since North Carolina and Mecklenburg County have declared states of emergency.

Disruptions to the national convention — an event anticipated to draw more than 50,000 delegates, guests and media members— are still possible, though. President Donald Trump has cautioned the coronavirus could impede daily life through August or potentially longer.

“The RNC is closely monitoring conditions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and is working closely with federal, state, and local governments in order to determine whether they will need to make any changes to the schedule,” Whatley said Saturday.

There are more than 275 cases of the coronavirus statewide, as of Sunday. That includes 77 cases in Mecklenburg County, which announced a surge of cases this weekend.

Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered all bars and restaurants to close in an effort to limit people’s exposure to COVID-19.

In Mecklenburg, Public Health Director Gibbie Harris has restricted mass gatherings to 50 people — forcing the closure of gyms, health clubs and theaters, and other often-crowded locations.

The pandemic has led to delayed presidential primaries in multiple states, including Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Indiana and Connecticut.

For now, the GOP’s State Convention — where North Carolina delegates are selected for the national convention — is still scheduled for May 14-17 in Greenville.

Whatley said the state GOP will continue to follow “recommended health practices and keep our communities safe.”