Denver mayor who urged residents to "stay home as much as you can" travels out of state to visit family for Thanksgiving - CBS News

Denver's mayor apologized on Wednesday for traveling out of state to visit his family for Thanksgiving, in a statement that came on the same day that he urged residents to "stay home as much as you can." Health experts have repeatedly asked Americans not to travel for the holiday, warning that it could lead to a severe spike in coronavirus cases and further tax an already overburdened healthcare system. .

"I have shared how my family cancelled our plans for our traditional multi-household Thanksgiving celebration," Democratic Mayor Michael Hancock wrote on Twitter.

As the holiday approached, I decided it would be safer for me to travel to see them than to have two family members travel back to Denver." .

"As a public official, whose conduct is rightly scrutinized for the message it sends to others, I apologize to the residents of Denver who see my decision as conflicting with the guidance to stay at home for all but essential travel.".

I fully acknowledge that I have urged everyone to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.

I have shared how my family cancelled our plans for our traditional multi-household Thanksgiving celebration.

Hancock's office told CBS Denver that "As he has shared, the Mayor is not hosting his traditional large family dinner this year, but instead traveling alone to join his wife and daughter where the three of them will celebrate Thanksgiving at her residence instead of having them travel back to Denver.

On the same day as his announcement, Hancock encouraged his constituents to "stay home as much as you can," "host virtual gatherings instead of in-person dinners" and "avoid travel if you can." .

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans last week not to travel over Thanksgiving, citing the myriad opportunities to transmit the virus while traveling or while in close quarters with family.