Hours after encouraging Denver residents to avoid Thanksgiving travel, the city’s mayor’s office confirmed that he was going to Mississippi to spend the holidays with his daughter and wife, according to his office.
“I know there are many who are disappointed with my decision who believe that Thanksgiving would be better spent alone,” Hancock said in a statement released by his office. “As a public official, the behavior by which he sends the message to others is properly scrutinized, so I apologize to the residents of Denver for opposing my decision but for contradicting it with a stay-at-home guide for necessary travel.” Husbands and fathers, and those who are angry and frustrated, I humbly request you to forgive me for my decisions, not through my head.
In a statement sent to CNN earlier, Hancock spokesman Mike Strott said that Hancock would “follow all necessary health and safety guidelines and quarantine” upon his return to Denver.
According to the latest data provided by the city’s health department, there are a total of 33,971 cases of covid-19 in Denver since the outbreak began.
Hancock is not the only local leader who has not followed his own advice.
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin News received a backlash after he and his wife attended a birthday party at a French laundry restaurant with a dozen people from many different homes, despite the state health guidelines recommending against such gatherings amid an increase in Kovid-19 infection.
Newsme apologized for his presence, acknowledging that he should practice what he preached.
“I made a bad mistake,” Newsme said. “Instead of sitting, I should have stood up, got back in my car and was going home.”
The governor had previously warned New Yorkers who plan to organize Thanksgiving celebrations as usual that it is dangerous because the virus spreads to large indoor gatherings.
CNN’s Leslie Parrot, Cherry Mossberg and Anna Sturla contributed to the report.
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