KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Health officials have cautioned against attending large gatherings to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vie for back-to-back Super Bowl wins on Sunday.
Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary, said it is important to continue practicing COVID-19 safety protocols because he doesn’t want the game to result in super spreader events.
“It's natural for people to get together and have all sorts of craziness, but this is not the weekend to do that,” Norman said.
He urged caution when congregating at indoor spaces, such as living rooms, basements and bar rooms.
“It's not a time to let your guard down,” Norman said, “and we'll win the game whether people catch COVID-19 or not.”
Dr. Steven Stites, chief medical officer of the University of Kansas Health System, echoed Norman’s sentiments Wednesday morning during the hospital’s COVID-19 media call, stating that it’s important not to “expand your bubble.”
"The virus does not take time off for the Super Bowl,” Stites said. “You still have to follow the rules of infection control without question. Keep your gatherings small, stay inside your bubble, wear your mask.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and the president’s chief medical advisor, said during an interview on the Today show that COVID-19 cases always spike after holidays or major events.
“The Super Bowl is a big deal in the United States,” Fauci said. “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."
