In November, the number of coronavirus cases in Texas increased, and the local mayor of Austin, Steve Adler, urged people to stay at home, but at the same time, he was taking his family to Mexico for a holiday. Adler also recorded a video while traveling, in which he specifically told people in his hometown that now is “not the time to relax”.
The local media Austin American-Statesman revealed Adler’s itinerary on Wednesday, reporting that it was a call by U.S. government officials to be vigilant in the face of rising cases of infections and hospitalizations across the United States. But another example of not complying with your own instructions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was investigated last month for attending a birthday party at a luxury restaurant near San Francisco when he also urged people to stay at home. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock also flew to Mississippi to visit his family for Thanksgiving, although he posted messages on social media and to city workers not to travel on Thanksgiving.
However, Adler told the Austin American Politician that his behavior did not violate his own regulations.
Adler argues: “There is no advice that people should not travel during that time. Someone might look at me and say, ‘He’s on a trip.’ But what they can’t say is that I’m traveling when I tell people not to travel.”
Texas has been hospitalized with more than 9,000 COVID-19 this week, the first time since the outbreak. More than 15,000 new cases were reported Tuesday, breaking a single-day record.
The Austin American Politician reported that Adler held an outdoor wedding and reception for his daughter in a hotel near downtown Austin, inviting 20 guests. After that, he began a trip to Mexico. While Adler said attendees at the wedding reception must be tested quickly for COVID-19 and social distancing. However, he admitted that despite the distribution of masks at the wedding, all guests “may” not wear them all the time.
Adler usually webcasts on social media in the evening, and on November 9, in Mexico, he recorded a video warning about the rising number of cases. But he didn’t say in the video that he was on vacation.
After Adler returned from his trip, local health officials elevated the city’s pandemic guidance to Phase 4 and discouraged nonessential travel.
