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A4 U.S. NEWS
Tuesday 24 November 2020
White House still planning holiday parties, despite warnings

By JILL COLVIN it small, ideally less than 10,
WASHINGTON (AP) — and prepare beforehand."
Public health officials are "These apply to the White
sounding alarms and urg- House, they apply to the
ing Americans not to travel American people, they ap-
and limit gatherings this ply to everyone. We want
holiday season amid a new you to stay safe so we can
surge in coronavirus cases. get to a vaccine," he said.
But that isn't stopping the Not long after, the first lady
White House from planning attended a small ceremo-
a host of festivities, includ- ny to mark the arrival of the
ing holiday parties, which White House Christmas tree
kicked off Monday with the — by horse-drawn wagon
arrival of the White House — an event that tradition-
Christmas tree. ally kicks off the holidays at
"Attending the parties will the White House.
be a very personal choice," Mrs. Trump inspected the
said Stephanie Grisham, Fraser fir tree, smiled, waved
First Lady Melania Trump's to cameras and chatted
spokeswoman and chief with masked drivers as the
of staff. "It is a longstanding brass section of the United
tradition for people to visit First lady Melania Trump stands next to the 2020 Official White House Christmas tree as it is pre- States Marine Band played
and enjoy the cheer and sented on the North Portico of the White House, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, in Washington. Christmas carols.
iconic décor of the annual Associated Press The National Christmas Tree
White House Christmas cel- Association said that, in nor-
ebrations." surging across the nation lists, requiring masks, en- parties scheduled at the mal years, "the selection of
The decision to move for- and more than 250,000 couraging social distanc- White House while calling the White House Christmas
ward with indoor events people dead. ing on the White House other Americans' indoor tree is a media event at the
and other gatherings The White House has al- grounds and hand sanitizer gatherings potential "super- NCTA Champion Grower's
comes as the Centers for ready been the site of stations placed throughout spreader" events. farm attended by 100 or
Disease Control and Pre- several suspected "super- the State Floor. "I want the American peo- more people to observe
vention, top White House spreader" events and doz- "Guests will enjoy food indi- ple to know that we are at the White House team se-
advisers and public health ens of staff — along with vidually plated by chefs at a dire point in our fight with lect the perfect tree for the
professionals across the na- the president, the first lady plexiglass-protected food this virus, by any measure: Blue Room."
tion have been pleading and their son — have been stations. All passed bever- cases, positivity, hospital- "But…2020 is far from a nor-
with Americans not to trav- infected, along with a long ages will be covered. All izations, deaths," he said mal year — there was no
el for Thanksgiving or spend list of campaign aides and service staff will wear masks on on ABC's "Good Morn- selection event this year."
the holiday with people other advisers. and gloves to comply with ing America." "So I'm asking On Tuesday, the events will
from outside of their house- Grisham said the White food safety guidelines," she Americans — I'm begging continue as President Don-
holds. House would be taking pre- said. you — hold on just a little bit ald Trump participates in
As the weather has cooled, cautions to provide "the saf- U.S. Surgeon General Je- longer. Keep Thanksgiving the annual pardoning of
the virus has been spread- est environment possible" rome Adams on Monday and the celebrations small the National Thanksgiving
ing out of control, with for attendees at events. repeatedly evaded ques- and smart this year ... do it Turkey at a ceremony in
cases and hospitalizations That includes smaller guest tions about indoor holiday outdoors if you can, keep the Rose Garden.q

Toy safety group releases annual list of top 10 'worst' toys

BOSTON (AP) — Cute plastic animals with tiny of toys putting children at risk," the organiza- ___
accessories that pose a choking hazard, Black tion said. The full "10 Worst Toys of 2020" list and their po-
Panther-inspired claws with the potential to There are an estimated 240,000 toy-related tential dangers from World Against Toys Caus-
cause facial or eye injuries, and green slime injuries to children each year and a child is ing Harm Inc.:
that could be harmful if swallowed: These are brought to the emergency room every three 1. Calico Critters Nursery Friends. Potential
just some of the items on an annual list of po- minutes for a toy-related injury, according to choking hazards.
tentially dangerous toys released Monday by WATCH. 2. Missile Launcher. Potential for eye and facial
a consumer advocacy group. The Toy Association, which represents toy man- injuries.
"Although intended for fun and entertainment, ufacturers, called the WATCH list needlessly 3. Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw.
many toys contain hidden hazards unneces- alarmist. Potential for eye and facial injuries.
sarily putting children at risk of injury or death," "By law, all toys sold in the United States must 4. Gloria Owl. Potential for ingestion.
Boston-based World Against Toys Causing meet 100+ rigorous safety tests and standards," 5. WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists. Potential for
Harm Inc. said in a statement announcing its the association said in a statement. "However, blunt force and impact injuries.
"10 Worst Toys" of the year. WATCH does not test the toys in its report to 6. Sci-Fi Slime. Potential for chemical-related
With parents looking for ways to keep children check their safety; their allegations appear injuries.
occupied during the coronavirus pandemic, to be based on their misrepresentation of the 7. Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO. Potential
and with the 2020 Christmas shopping season mandatory toy standards — and of the priority for propellor-related injury.
approaching, toy safety awareness is critical, the toy industry puts on safe and fun play." 8. Boom City Racers. Potential for eye and fa-
the group said. The Toy Association said parents and others cial injuries.
"Shockingly, classic toy dangers, such as small should always choose age-appropriate toys, 9. My Sweet Love Lots of Love Babies Minis. Po-
parts, strings, projectiles, toxic substances, rigid encourage safe play, and make sure they pur- tential choking hazard.
materials, and inaccurate warnings and la- chase toys from reputable manufacturers and 10. Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber. Potential
bels, continue to reappear in new generations sellers. for blunt force and eye injuries.q