Don’t Make Game Day ‘Superspreader Sunday’

Feb. 5, 2021 — Although Tremendous Bowl Sunday shouldn’t be a nationwide vacation, it’s usually handled as one — a daylong celebration stuffed with associates, household, and meals. However this yr shall be totally different. Not less than, that’s what docs are hoping.

Medical professionals are pleading with the general public to remain bodily distanced and maintain gatherings digital this Sunday. In any other case, there might be renewed spikes in COVID-19 circumstances — a very alarming prospect given the brand new strains which have cropped up.

“We’re nervous as a result of there are new variants of COVID, so there’s even much less room for error,” says Preeti Malani, MD, chief well being officer and professor of medication within the Division of Infectious Ailments on the College of Michigan. “We don’t need Tremendous Bowl Sunday to turn into ‘Superspreader Sunday.’”

There are three specific variants which have precipitated concern to this point — originating in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil — all of which have been detected in the US. They appear to be extra contagious than the unique pressure, and it’s unclear how properly the out there vaccines shield in opposition to them.

“This Sunday, keep in mind whichever crew you are rooting for and whichever business is your favourite, please watch the Tremendous Bowl safely, gathering solely just about or with the folks you reside with,” CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, mentioned Wednesday at a White Home COVID-19 Response Staff information convention.

Anthony Fauci, MD, the White Home COVID-19 Response Staff’s chief medical adviser, has issued warnings much like ones he provided through the vacation season. In an interview with NBC’s Right this moment present Wednesday, he mentioned “there at all times is a spike” of latest infections following historically social occasions.

“Benefit from the recreation, watch it on tv, however do it with the instant members of your loved ones, the folks in your family,” he mentioned.

Fortunately, surveys present that many individuals might heed these warnings. The Nationwide Retail Federation reports that simply 28% off folks say they are going to be throwing or attending a celebration or watching the sport at a bar — the bottom within the survey’s historical past. In 2018, survey outcomes confirmed 18% mentioned they’d host a Tremendous Bowl get together, and 28% mentioned they’d attend one. 5 p.c mentioned they’d go to a bar or restaurant.