Despite warnings from public health officials amid the growing outbreak of COVID-19 cases, the White House still plans to host indoor holiday parties.
What We Know:
- Thanksgiving typically brings family and friends together from all across the nation. This year the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends Americans avoid travel come Thursday. They urge against large gatherings and suggest celebrating with loved ones virtually or with whom we live as the safest options.
- Monday appearing on “Good Morning America” U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams expressed the need for “everyone to understand that these holiday parties can be super spreader events.” He advised celebrations to be held outside with limited guests in alignment with the CDC’s recommendations. Adams said that his statements applied to all American people, including those within the White House.
- Nevertheless, sources obtained an invitation written in gold cursive on green paper reading “Mrs. Melania Trump requests the pleasure of your company at a Holiday Reception to be held at The White House on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 at eleven o’clock.”
- A spokeswoman for the first lady, Stephanie Grisham, guaranteed the White House would maintain “the safest environment possible” with a restricted guest list. She added that masks would be made available and required, and social distancing will be highly encouraged. Hand sanitizing stations will be present, and all service staff will be in protective gear in accordance with food safety guidelines. In a statement, Grisham announced food would be individually plated by chefs at plexiglass-protected food stations, and beverages will be covered. She asserted that White House Christmas celebrations are a longstanding tradition, and attendance “will be a very personal choice.”
- The White House has not proven itself to be immune to the virus. Back in September, the country’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, labeled Trump’s Rose Garden Ceremony as a “super-spreader” event. This is where Trump and his wife contracted the virus along with many others, such as former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
- More than a handful of White House aides and Trump campaign managers have tested positive in the past few months. Corey Lewandowski, a campaign adviser for Trump, received a positive diagnosis after attending an election night party at the White House. Another of Trump’s advisers, David Bossie, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, who both attended the party, also tested positive shortly after. A week or so later, at least 4 more attendees, including the White House chief of staff and the political director, reportedly contracted the virus. The White House alone has had at least three outbreaks so far.
Surgeon General Adams begged the American people just to hold on a little bit longer. “Keep Thanksgiving and the celebrations small and smart this year,” he pleaded.
