Family doesn’t let social distancing get in way of grandma’s 95th birthday

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - A New York family gathered outside to wish their grandmother a happy 95th birthday, in light of new social distancing precautions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Syracuse resident Sara Byrne said she planned a 95th birthday party for her grandma, but it had to be canceled because of coronavirus concerns, local media reported.

The family is seen on video standing on the lawn outside their grandmother’s house holding balloons and a birthday sign while they sang “Happy Birthday.”

While the new coronavirus can affect anyone, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions “appear to develop serious illness more often than others,” according to the World Health Organization. 

Officials recommend maintaining a distance of at least three feet from other people to help lessen the spread of the new virus, COVID-19.

Byrne’s grandmother has seven sons, 22 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, most of whom live near Syracuse, according to local media.

“We had to keep our distance but we couldn’t not see our best girl on her birthday!!! Happy 95th Gram we love you SO much!!!” Byrne said on Instagram.