Former US President Barack Obama has scaled back plans for a big birthday party amid a rise in Covid infections nationwide. Mr Obama turned 60 on Wednesday and had planned a major celebration on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts this weekend. But as the highly contagious Delta variant has led to a surge in new infections, Mr Obama has announced plans to scale back the event. Only close friends and family will now attend. His spokesperson said the outdoor event on Saturday was planned months ago “in accordance with all public health guidelines”. But he and his wife Michelle Obama have now decided to limit its size. “President Obama is appreciative of others sending their birthday wishes from afar and looks forward to seeing people soon.“(BBC)…[+]