0:45
- ABC News
- August 2, 2021
Obama to host hundreds at 60th birthday amid COVID
The Martha's Vineyard gathering comes amid a spike in coronavirus cases.
0:45
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/biden-maryland-rt-jt-210802_1627927554979_hpEmbed_3x2_384.jpg\")
President Joe Biden is not planning to attend the gathering, according to a White House official.
\"While President Biden is unable to attend this weekend, he looks forward to catching up with former President Obama soon and properly welcoming him into the over 60 club,\" the administration official said. Biden is scheduled to spend the weekend at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
\"I would note first that former President Obama has been a huge advocate of individuals getting vaccinated,\" White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.
She noted the CDC's current guidance on masking pertains only to indoor settings in high or substantial transmission risk zones.
\"In addition, there is testing requirements and other steps they're taking,\" Psaki added.
The Obamas have identified various charities for guests to consider supporting, rather than giving birthday gifts, including My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the Girls Opportunity Alliance, and the Obama Foundation’s Global Leadership programs.
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