Feb 03, 2021

Fauci warns against Super Bowl parties to avoid virus spread

Posted Feb 03, 2021 7:00 PM
Fauci photo National Institute of Health
Fauci photo National Institute of Health

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”

He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.

Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”  Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."

According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.

  1. Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  1. Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.
  2. Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.

The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.