US

White House Easter Egg Roll Canceled ‘Out Of An Abundance Of Caution’

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The White House Easter Egg Roll has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Office of the First Lady announced Monday that the Easter Egg Roll was called off  “out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with the National Emergency Declaration concerning the COVID-19.”

“The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,” first lady Melania Trump said. “I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term.”

She added: “During this time, I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials, and follow CDC guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone.”

The Easter Egg Roll was previously canceled during both World War I and during World War II from 1943 to 1945, according to White House History. Former President Harry Truman did not host the Easter Egg Roll due to food conservation efforts in 1946 and 1947 and from 1948 through 1952 due to construction on the South Lawn.

Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower started up the tradition again after 12 years without a White House Easter Egg Roll, but it was not reinstated until former President Gerald Ford hosted the Easter Egg Roll in 1976.