Since former President Barack Obama’s birthday party on Saturday, 63 people have reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus at Martha’s Vineyard. That figure represents the highest number of cases in a week since April.
But health officials said it is too early to determine whether Obama’s guests and staff at the parties without mask mandates contributed to the spike in Covid-19 cases, DailyMail.com reported on Friday.
‘At this time we’re not aware of any cases connected to the Obama party,’ Tisbury health agent and boards of health spokesperson Maura Valley told the media outlet. ‘It’s a little too early and the only way we’re going to know is through comprehensive contact tracing.’
Obama met with his friends at Barn Bowl & Bistro on Thursday before his big birthday bash. The next day, he had a bigger celebration to kick off his birthday at Winnetu Oceanside Resort.
The former president also hosted a Sunday brunch at Beach Road restaurant after his birthday party.
Martha’s Vineyard was already dealing with an increase in Covid-19 cases. Obama initially prepared to invite 500 guests to his mansion, but cut down the numbers amid criticism as the Delta variant surges.
‘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,’ their spokesperson said at the time.
‘He’s appreciative of others sending their birthday wishes from afar and looks forward to seeing people soon,’ the spokesperson added.
Instead of 500 guests, Obama welcomed between 300 and 400 of his closest friends and associates, including Jay-Z, Beyonce, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.
Celebrities including Bradley Cooper stayed at the Harbor View Hotel, six employees tested positive for the virus. Health officials said that the Harbor View Hotel was one of three new coronavirus clusters in Edgartown. Alchemy Bistro & Bar had 14 cases while the Port Hunter restaurant reported five.
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