We're getting safety recommendations from local and national health officials for watching the Big Game this Sunday. They're concerned that a lot of people may let their guard down concerning the pandemic.
And yes, they said don't cheer.
Their best advice? "Lay low." In other words, stay home and watch the game on TV.
Safer ways to enjoy the Super Bowl
MOBILE, Ala. — Gathering virtually or with your household is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who do not live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year you should choose a safer way to enjoy the game.
“All gatherings outside your immediate household can be a super-spreader event,” said Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for Mobile County. “The new strains of COVID-19 are present in Alabama, and they are even more contagious.”
Dr. Eichold pointed to an article in today’s New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/ briefing/biden-stimulus-jeff-bezos-fbi-florida.html?smid=em-share) about how previous holidays have led to virus outbreaks. The story said large Super Bowl gatherings could continue this trend.
“We saw the number of positive cases increase in Mobile County after the holidays,” Dr. Eichold said. “As we approach the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, weddings, funerals, and any type of social gathering, if it includes people beyond your immediate family, it could be a high risk to contract COVID-19.
“If you are at a retail establishment or informal social gathering and people are not masking and observing 6-foot social distancing, simply leave to not put yourself at risk of contracting COVID-19. This disease has already killed too many people.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have offered these tips for Sunday’s big game:
• Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.
• Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.
• Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.
• Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching. Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.
• Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.
• Sit at least 6 feet away from people you do not live with.
“Someone you know could become a mortality statistic,” Dr. Eichold said of the spread of COVID-19. “We all need to have personal responsibility.”
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Here's what the CDC has on its website:
Attending large gatherings like the Super Bowl increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to watch the Super Bowl this year is at home with people you live with. If you choose to attend the Super Bowl or a large Super Bowl event, like a watch party this year, follow these steps to make yourself safer:
- Call the venue to ensure that they have steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Follow signage at the venue to allow for social distancing.
- Arrive to the venue early to avoid crowding and congested areas.
- Avoid using restroom facilities or concession areas at high traffic times, such as half-time or immediately at the end of the event.
- Avoid chanting or cheering. Stomp, clap, or bring hand-held noisemakers instead.
- Wear masks at all times.
- Use touchless payment methods at the venue when available.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol may make you less likely to follow COVID-19 safety measures.
- Minimize the time you spend in the restaurant, bar or concession area. The longer you stay, the more you increase your risk.
(Photo: Getty Images)