Super Bowl Safety

Football in the background with the text: Super Bowl.

Published February 5, 2021

The biggest game in football is upon us. This weekend, the Super Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

While we can’t help you decide who to root for this Sunday, we can help make sure you and yours stay safe and avoid COVID-19.

Thomas Russo, MD, division chief of Infectious Diseases at UBMD Internal Medicine, encourages Western New Yorkers to enjoy the game safely.

Game Day Safety

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  • Be sure to stay within your household or pod. Treat this event like any other one during the pandemic to avoid it becoming a super-spreader event.
  • Have virtual watch parties. You don't have to miss out on your friends’ look when an amazing play happens. With virtual gatherings, you still get to connect in real time. Try video chatting (Zooming, Facetiming, etc.) with friends and family members you can’t gather with in person.
  • Show your Football fandom from home! Use your favorite social media accounts to post photos or game-time commentary.

What if I've been vaccinated?

Even those who may have received the COVID-19 vaccine are not recommended to gather as you could still be a carrier of the virus. If everyone is fully vaccinated and 1-2 weeks post second shot, then probably ok for those vaccinated individuals to get together,” says Russo.

“But since vaccinated individuals may be able to be asymptomatically infected and infectious (the likelihood of  this is presently being studied), they should not interact with unvaccinated individuals without everyone wearing a mask at all times and appropriately distancing at all times, especially indoors. Additionally, fully vaccinated individuals should not interact with other vaccinated individuals without masks if someone in their household is not vaccinated."

Given this, avoiding any type of gathering with more than just your household is advised.

What about my usual Super Bowl spread?

To many, the Super Bowl may also be synonymous with snacks. Just because you’re not gathering this year, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the good food that comes with it.

Here are some changes to consider:

  • Focus on favorites. Pick one or two of your favorite snacks to make and enjoy!
  • Size it down. Consider cutting recipes in half to enjoy guilt-free snacks.
  • Share it around. Make your normal snack spread, but pack some up and drop some goodies off to friends and family before kick-off. Pro tip: Leave it outside on the porch to avoid contact.

With these tips, you’re on your way to a safe and healthy Super Bowl celebration.