Officials urge public to avoid Super Bowl celebrations, offer other guidance

DARTMOUTH — Director of Public Health Christopher Michaud and the Dartmouth COVID-19 Response Team are urging the community to heed public health guidance and avoid gathering for Super Bowl celebrations this weekend.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staying home and celebrating with those in your household or hosting a virtual celebration are the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Residents are urged not to attend gatherings, as even small gatherings contribute to the spread of COVID-19 cases nationwide.

“We are urging everyone to make safe choices this weekend,” Director Michaud said. “While COVID-19 case numbers are trending downward right now, gathering or hosting Super Bowl celebrations with those you don’t live with can greatly increase the potential for transmission.”

The CDC recommends that those who wish to partake in Super Bowl celebrations do so virtual or through the following lower risk activities:

•Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.
•Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.
•Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.
•Residents are also reminded of the current statewide gathering and capacity limits. Gatherings in private homes, event venues and public spaces are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. These limits are currently in place until 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 8.

The public is also reminded to always take the following precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community:

•Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing — maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others — is critical.
•Those who must go out are urged to avoid gathering in groups, maintain 6 feet from people outside your household, do not shake hands or hug and wash your hands often.
•Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands
•Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces at all times. Face coverings should:
•Cover the nose and mouth
•Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face
•Be secured with either ties or ear loops
•Permit breathing without difficulty
•Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.