The nation’s top infectious disease expert is warning against large Super Bowl parties ahead of Sunday’s games (February 7).
Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke to the TODAY Show on Wednesday (February 3), saying “now is not the time,” for large, indoor gatherings.
“Every time we do have something like this, there always is a spike, be it a holiday, Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving,” Dr. Fauci said as a reminder of the deadly spikes in viruses seen during the winter months.
He did provide some guidelines on how to watch the game safely.
“Enjoy the game, watch it on television, but do it with the immediate members of your family, the people in your household. As much fun as it is to get together in a big Super Bowl party, now is not the time to do that. Watch the game and enjoy it, but do it with your family or with people that are in your household.”
For Black Americans, the warning is especially relevant given the disproportionate impact the virus has had in our community, and the greater risk for complications we have had throughout the pandemic.
Super Bowl 55 is taking place in Tampa, Florida this year, with a mash up between the city’s own Buccaneers and returning Super Bowl Champs Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL is allowing 22,000 fans to be present during the game, a significantly smaller number than typical years due to the pandemic and citywide restrictions.
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