Maybe you’re cheering on the GOAT — or want to see him go down — or perhaps you just enjoy the food, but this year’s Super Bowl celebrations need more planning than usual to avoid what experts fearing could be dubbed Superspreader Sunday.

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nothing looks the same, including the way you watch the big game. The Super Bowl is the nation’s number one at-home event of the year, at a time when gathering in groups and indoors results in shared germs and spikes in COVID-19 infection.

“The safest way for you to celebrate the Super Bowl is with the people with whom you live. Control of COVID-19 is in the hands of all of us and there is light at the end of the tunnel. We all need to stay safe until enough of us are vaccinated and we can return to a more normal existence,” said Virginia Bieluch, MD, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, part of Hartford HealthCare.

If you plan to host or attend a party, however, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay home. Instead of taking in the game at a bar or restaurant, grab takeout and watch at home.
  • Move it outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that the virus is much less likely to spread in the fresh air, plus you have more room to maintain the recommended six feet of physical distance between yourself and others. Light the fire pit, drag out the outdoor heaters, throw on blankets to make it fun and cozy while you use a projector screen to broadcast the game.
  • Keep the masks on. Unless you’re eating or drinking, you should stay masked around others.
  • Set up sanitizer stations. Keep the bathrooms clean and stocked with paper towels.
  • Use disposable. Sure, it’s not as eco-friendly, but this is definitely the time to break out the plastic cutlery and paper plates to keep germ flow at a minimum.
  • Stick to single-serving items. Avoid anything that requires shared use of a serving spoon. If you must make your famous chili, set it out already in serving bowls for guests to grab and enjoy.
  • Go virtual. You’ll be able to include everyone, far and near, if you move the party onto virtual platforms. That way, when you’re screaming at the referees, no one is in the path of your airborne germs. If the thought of another Zoom session is draining, try creating a text group so you can compare ongoing observations with your favorite fans.

Of course, vaccination is the best way to avoid COVID.

If You Haven’t Scheduled Your First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Anyone in the eligible groups can get vaccinated at a Hartford HealthCare vaccine clinic. An appointment is required to ensure safety. No walk-ins are allowed.

People eligible for a vaccine who already have a MyChartPlus account can log in and make an appointment at a Hartford HealthCare vaccine clinic. If you don’t have a MyChartPlus account, set one up on Hartford HealthCare’s MyChartPlus.org website.

If you’d prefer to schedule your appointment by phone, call the Hartford HealthCare Access Center at 860.827.7690 or toll-free at 833.943.5721.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.