Barack Obama has been criticized for planning to throw a birthday party with nearly 500 guests amid a nationwide spike in Covid-19 cases.
The former president turns 60 on August 4, and per Axios, he will be ringing in the milestone with a huge celebration at his 7,000-square-foot mansion in Martha's Vineyard next weekend.
A source told the outlet that 475 guests have been confirmed thus far - including Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, and Steven Spielberg. What's more, there will be an additional 200 staff members at the soirée.
But as reported by the CDC, Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations due to the virus, and fatalities are on the rise in the majority of US states. The Delta variant, which is far more contagious than previous variants, is partially responsible for the rise in infections.
While the guests will all have to be tested for Covid and must be vaccinated - and the party will be held outside, health officials have nevertheless advised against big parties.
Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, told CNN:
"If you're talking about a small party like I might have at my house for six or eight people who are all fully vaccinated, I do not believe, at this point, we need to put masks on to be next to each other.
"But if there were 100 people, and, of course, how are you really going to be sure about people's vaccination status?"
And per the official CDC advice, those who want to host a large gathering should opt for a virtual gathering instead.
A "Covid coordinator" has been hired for the event in order to uphold necessary safety protocols. However, it is not clear whether guests will have to provide any proof that they have received their vaccine or proof of a negative Covid test. It is also unclear whether guests will be required to wear masks.
Needless to say, Obama's birthday plans have sparked backlash online with one person tweeting: "Let me get this straight. You couldn’t say goodbye to your dying loved ones, but Barack Obama can have a party with 700 people at his estate in Martha’s Vineyard?"
They added: "Lmao at all his brain dead supporters flocking to justify it as they wear 3 masks and a face shield alone in their car even after getting the vax."
Another said in a sarcastic tone: "The terrifying fear of breakthrough COVID infections and deaths is so high that Obama is hosting a reckless superspreader event at a home with 700 people, with a rock band and its hairdresser."
A final person shared: "So disappointed @BarackObama & @MichelleObama are hosting a party where the health of 200 low-wage servers will be put at risk.
"Is his 60th birthday any more important than every wedding, graduation, or birthday celebration that has been postponed or canceled due to COVID-19?"