After backlash, former US President Barack Obama cancelled his 60th birthday celebration plans due to concerns that it could encourage the spread of coronavirus.

Hannah Hankins, a spokeswoman for Obama, announced the cancelation in a statement on Wednesday morning, 

She stated that the President and Mrs. Obama had decided to drastically reduce the event in order to only include close family members and friends due to the spread of the Delta variant.

“He appreciates others sending birthday wishes from far away and looks forward seeing them soon.”

Obama had planned an enormous outdoor party in Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard.

Sources had told Axios that hundreds of guests were expected, and that precautions had been taken.

They were asked to get vaccinated. A negative coronavirus test would be required. Someone would also be responsible for ensuring that coronavirus rules are followed.

A few invitees decided not to attend the event due to the virus.

Ronald A. Klain was the White House Chief of Staff, but he decided to not attend.

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Former Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz had said to the Times that Trump should cancel the event or postpone it.