Amid rising COVID-19 cases, former President Obama scales down plan for star-studded massive 60th birthday bash

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, former President Obama scales down plan for star-studded massive 60th birthday bash

ANIUpdated: Thursday, August 05, 2021, 04:49 PM IST
article-image
Former US President Barack Obama | Photo Credit: AFP

Former US President Barack Obama has scaled back the 60th birthday bash due to the spread of the Delta strain of COVID-19 in the country.

The decision for Saturday's event comes after news coverage regarding the party that raised questions about both the safety and optics of an event that was expected to draw hundreds of guests.

"Due to the new spread of the Delta variant over the past week, the President and Mrs. Obama have decided to significantly scale back the event to include only family and close friends," Obama's spokesperson Hannah Hankins said on Wednesday, as quoted by The New York Times.

The report said that likes of actor George Clooney, director Steven Spielberg and TV host Oprah Winfrey were on the original guest list.

Both Barack and his wife Michelle Obama have been vocal advocates of following public health protocols and stressing the importance of vaccination.

"We all want to be with our family and friends again, and the best way to make that happen is by getting the vaccine as soon it's available to you," Michelle had said in April.

Last week, Obama tweeted about how the COVID-19 has become more contagious, emphasizing the need for more people to become inoculated.

In recent weeks, the US has seen a rise in COIVID-19 cases due to spread of Delta variant. The total of number coronavirus in the country now stands at 35,242,207 cases.

RECENT STORIES

Ukraine’s SBU Kills Suspected Russian Agents Linked To Assassination Of Officer In Kyiv

Ukraine’s SBU Kills Suspected Russian Agents Linked To Assassination Of Officer In Kyiv

'There Is Point Till Which Govt Can Go': Centre Tells SC On Plea Over Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya's...

'There Is Point Till Which Govt Can Go': Centre Tells SC On Plea Over Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya's...

Death Toll In Israel-Gaza War Crosses 58,000 As Dozens More Killed In Strikes, Aid Line Attacks

Death Toll In Israel-Gaza War Crosses 58,000 As Dozens More Killed In Strikes, Aid Line Attacks

Cameroon's 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Announces Bid For Eighth Term

Cameroon's 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Announces Bid For Eighth Term

US President Donald Trump To Make 2nd UK State Visit In September At King Charles III's Invitation

US President Donald Trump To Make 2nd UK State Visit In September At King Charles III's Invitation