VODEO-Birx traveled over Thanksgiving weekend after warning Americans to limit celebrations to household | TheHill

White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx Deborah BirxThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Mastercard - Congress slogs toward COVID-19 relief, omnibus deal 'Saturday Night Live' features its own Fauci and Birx to explain vaccine rollout The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Congress moves to avert shutdown as virus talks stall again MORE traveled to her Delaware vacation home during the Thanksgiving weekend despite advising people to celebrate the holiday with only those in their immediate household.

The Associated Press reported  that Birx traveled with family members from two other households. Birx told the AP in a statement the purpose of the trip was to winterize the property before an upcoming sale.

“I did not go to Delaware for the purpose of celebrating Thanksgiving,” Birx said, adding that her family shared a meal while in Delaware.

Birx said that all of the gathered family members belonged to her "immediate household" but also said they lived in two different homes.

According to federal guidelines, Birx's role makes her an "essential worker." Her position requires her to travel across the country, and she has visited 43 states, often at coronavirus hot spots, the AP reported. She also maintains an office at the White House, where several COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred.

Birx has stated that she keeps herself and her family safe through isolating, mask-wearing and regular testing.

She is among the lawmakers and officials who have been criticized for traveling or dining out despite sending similar warnings to people to stay at home.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (D) apologized after facing backlash for traveling to Mississippi over the Thanksgiving weekend despite telling his residents to stay put. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Gavin NewsomCalifornia appeals court order allowing strip clubs to remain open during pandemic California battles skyrocketing coronavirus cases FEMA to reimburse California hotels used to protect vulnerable populations during pandemic MORE  (D) faced condemnation for attending a 12-person party after urging people to avoid such gatherings. The governor later apologized for his attendance. 

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Andrew CuomoNYC advances bill protecting fast food workers from being fired without valid reason On The Money: Sweeping COVID-19, spending deal hits speed bumps | Deal set to include smaller stimulus checks, jobless benefit support | Biden, Powell praise progress toward agreement Cuomo signs bill banning sale of Confederate flag on New York state grounds MORE  (D) altered his in-person Thanksgiving plans after he received backlash for saying his 89-year-old mother and two daughters were traveling to Albany to celebrate the holiday.