CDC recommends 'virtual' Thanksgiving—backtracks, claims 'mishap' after backlash

The CDC published a recommendation on its website Tuesday recommending Americans celebrate a "virtual" Thanksgiving for a second year in a row. This information was later changed, and the CDC insists that it was a "mishap."

This follows a similar incident in which Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, said on the air that it's "too soon to tell" if Americans can expect to celebrate Christmas together this year. Only a day later, he had reversed his position, telling Americans to have a "good, normal" Christmas.

According to a story from Sinclair Broadcasting Group, the CDC originally stated:

"Despite vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends people celebrate Thanksgiving virtually this year," SBG reported, originally, in a now-revised story. "Updated guidance states that attending gatherings for events and holidays still increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, especially with the threat of the highly transmissible delta variant."

"Safer ways to celebrate the holidays, the CDC said, include hosting a video chat party, having an outdoor celebration with everyone six feet apart, waving to neighbors from a safe distance and avoiding contact with others."

"If gatherings take place outdoors, masks may not be needed unless the groups are crowded and a high COVID risk is present," the outlet reported.

The guidance was replaced hours later after massive public backlash. The story is updated, now reading: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed their 2021 holiday guidance Tuesday and said the update was a mishap. The agency said its recommendations for virtual gatherings that mirrored 2020 guidance does not reflect this year's, and new suggestions are coming soon."