World News – UK – Denver mayor, who urged residents to « stay home as much as possible, » travels from the state to visit the family for Thanksgiving

By Victoria Albert

25th. November 2020 / 10:53 pm
/ CBS News

The mayor of Denver on Wednesday apologized for leaving the state to visit his family for Thanksgiving. This happened the same day he asked residents to « stay home as much as possible ». « Health experts have repeatedly asked Americans not to go on vacation, warning that doing so could spike coronavirus cases and keep taxing an already overloaded health system.

« I shared how my family canceled our plans for our traditional multi-household Thanksgiving celebration, » wrote Democratic Mayor Michael Hancock on Twitter. « What I didn’t share, but should have shared, is that my wife and daughter were in Mississippi, where my daughter recently took a job. As vacation drew near, I decided it would be safer for me to travel to see them than have two family members travel back to Denver. « 

« I can see my decision disappointed many who believe it would have been better to spend Thanksgiving alone, » he added. « As an officer whose conduct is rightly being scrutinized for the message it sends to others, I apologize to the Denver residents for viewing my decision as inconsistent with the guidance to stay home for all but essential travel. « 

I fully acknowledge that I have urged everyone to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. I shared how my family canceled our plans for our traditional multi-household Thanksgiving celebration. (1/5)

Hancock said he made the decision as « husband and father » and asked the public to forgive him for choices « that are made by my heart, not my head. « 

Hancock’s office told CBS Denver, « As he shared, the mayor is not hosting his traditional big family dinner this year, but traveling alone to his wife and daughter, where the three of them are celebrating Thanksgiving at their residence, back from them Let Denver travel. Upon his return, he will follow all required health and safety guidelines and the quarantine. « 

On the same day as his announcement, Hancock encouraged constituents to « stay home as much as possible, » « hold virtual gatherings instead of in-person dinners, » and « avoid travel when you can. « 

ay Stay home as often as possible, especially when you are sick. 💻Host virtual gatherings instead of personal dinners. ❌Avoid traveling if you can. 🍲Order your vacation dinner at a local restaurant. 🎁Shop online with a small business for #BlackFriday. image. Twitter. com / acQpWs2Ism

As previously reported by CBS News, Hancock suggested buying a small turkey for Thanksgiving Friday, urging people to only celebrate with those they live with.

« I know this is difficult. I know you hate that. I hate that, « he said on Friday. « But we are doing our best to avoid a complete shutdown of our economy and, as our governor recently put it, a catastrophic breach of our hospital system. « . We try our best to protect life and livelihoods. « 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week urged Americans not to travel over Thanksgiving, citing the myriad of ways the virus can be transmitted while traveling or in close family relationships.

« Meeting with family members and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of catching or spreading COVID-19 or the flu, » the CDC guide reads. « Travel can increase your chance of receiving and spreading COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to keep yourself and others safe this year. « 

Even so, AAA expects up to 50 million Americans to travel on vacation, just 5 million fewer than in 2019. In a « final plea » to the nation before Thanksgiving, top infectious disease expert Dr. . Anthony Fauci urged Americans to follow COVID-19 guidelines as they celebrate the holiday.

Denver was one of 15 Colorado counties that switched to Level Red last week due to an increase in coronavirus cases. This level indicates a « severe risk » and is below the highest level of the state, the « extreme risk ». « More than 210. 000 people in Colorado contracted the virus and over 2. 500 have died, according to the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment.

First published on 25. November 2020 / 10:53 pm

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Michael B. . Hancock, Denver, Mayor, Thanksgiving