This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Millions of people will settle in to watch the big game, but COVID-19 won’t be taking a football break. With variants of the virus spreading and vaccine distribution still in its early phases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to celebrate this year’s game in a safe, nontraditional way.
Have you ever attended a Super Bowl party? Traditionally, millions of people watch the game in large gatherings. However – no surprise – doctors and health care workers are strongly discouraging people from attending parties involving a lot of people in close contact with one another. That doesn’t mean you can’t still meet to watch the game. Just like most events, the safest option is hosting a virtual party or gathering only with your live-in family/roommates.
If you opt for a virtual Super Bowl watch party, connect with friends via a text group or video chat. You can still don your favorite team’s logo or colors and make appetizers for the people you live with.
If you do throw a game-watching party in person, take your TV outside or display the game outside using a projector, and have people sit at least 6 feet apart – especially if they don’t live together. CDC developed a list of tips to make small gatherings safer.
If you’re lucky enough to be among the 25,000 or so fans going to the Super Bowl in Tampa, or if you’re attending another large Super Bowl event, you should take extra precautions to avoid getting sick: Call the venue in advance or check online about the safety measures being taken; arrive at the venue early to avoid crowds; and practice socially distancing at all times. Gotta cheer? Stomp, clap, or use noisemakers instead of yelling and cheering, to reduce transmission of droplets.
And as always, people who attend any kind of gathering should wear a face mask, physically distance from others, and wash hands frequently.
Although Super Bowl Sunday is considered an unofficial holiday for many, it’s best for people to approach it like this past holiday season – with extra precautions – to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
For a summary of these safety tips, check out the graphic below:
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