Washington. The second US presidential debate scheduled for October 15, has been called off. The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD)  has cancelled the meeting that was to take place between the presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden.  The third and final debate is scheduled for October 22.

“It is now apparent there will be no debate on October 15, and the CPD will turn its attention to preparations for the final presidential debate scheduled for October 22,” the commission said in a statement.

The  announcement comes after Trump, who tested positive for COVID-19 on October 1, rejected the option of holding a virtual debate.

“Vice President Biden looks forward to making his case to the American people about how to overcome this pandemic, restore American leadership and our alliances in the world, and bring the American people together,” Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said Friday in a statement. “It’s shameful that Donald Trump ducked the only debate in which the voters get to ask the questions — but it’s no surprise.”

In its statement Friday, the CPD said both candidates had agreed to participate in the October 22 debate, which would be held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that he was all prepared and fit for upcoming debate on October 15. Democratic candidate Joe Biden had however expressed his doubt regarding it. Both candidates have not stopped making attacks and counter attacks in the social media though. President Trump tweeted that his popularity had increased of late and that could be a threat to Biden.